Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings within the Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $44,930. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $38,130, suggesting that regional economic factors and potentially a specialized demand contribute to higher compensation for these culinary professionals. The unique market dynamics of this nonmetropolitan region likely play a significant role in shaping these favorable salary outcomes.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,930 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,530.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area appears stable, with a local workforce of 370 individuals. The location quotient of 0.97 indicates a concentration of these roles that is very close to the national average, suggesting a consistent demand that aligns with broader national trends. With 2.821 jobs per 1,000 workers, the employment landscape offers a steady presence for this occupation.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earns+17.8%above the national average.
$21.6
$864
$3,744
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increased demand for food services in various institutions, coupled with a desire to retain skilled culinary staff, likely contributed to upward pressure on wages, ensuring that compensation keeps pace with the cost of living and the evolving job market.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more. The variance in pay across different experience levels, often reflected in salary percentiles, highlights clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $35,100 | $16.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $33,698 | $16.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $43,070 | $20.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $56,163 | $27 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $58,530 | $28.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,930
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,930
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $44,930 in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape where earnings effectively cover standard living expenses without a significant premium or discount.
Job Market Context
370
Total Jobs
2.821
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area has 0.97x the national average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a location quotient of 0.97, the job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is nearly on par with the national concentration. This suggests that while the occupation is present and valued, it is not disproportionately concentrated compared to other regions. The market is neither overly saturated nor exceptionally scarce, indicating a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $40,450↓ 10% | 32 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $43,220↓ 4% | 54 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,910↓ 16% | 66 mi |
| Boulder, CO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $45,870↑ 2% | 67 mi |
| Greeley, CO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $39,310↓ 13% | 98 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is $44,930. This typically ranges from $35,100 for entry-level positions to $58,530 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 17.8% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Cooks in this region earn $44,930 annually, exceeding the national average of $38,130. Coupled with a cost of living at the national average, this makes the area financially competitive for the role.
Is Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($40,450) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is $44,930, which is higher than the national average of $38,130.
What is the cost of living in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
The Cost of Living Index for Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated are cook jobs in this region compared to the nation?
The location quotient for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is 0.97, indicating that the concentration of these jobs in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is very close to the national average.
What is the total number of cooks employed in this area?
There are approximately 370 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria employed in the Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 370 employees in the Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.821 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area