SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Pueblo, CO

Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Pueblo, CO, earn an average annual salary of $37,910. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,130, indicating a minor disparity that can be influenced by local economic factors and the specific demand within the Pueblo area for these culinary professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $37,910 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,380.
  • Outlook: Pueblo, CO, hosts a local workforce of 390 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria professionals. With a Location Quotient of 2.14, this role is significantly more concentrated in Pueblo than the national average, suggesting a robust local demand and a potentially stable job market for these workers within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$37,910

The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Pueblo, CO earns-0.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.2

Weekly

$729

Monthly

$3,159

Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Pueblo, CO

Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles in Pueblo, CO, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$30,070$14.5
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$28,433$13.7
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$37,280$17.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$47,388$22.8
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$46,380$22.3

Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$37,910

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$37,910

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $37,910 in Pueblo, CO, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Pueblo is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the slightly lower nominal salary is effectively balanced by the local cost of living.

Job Market Context

390

Total Jobs

6.211

Per 1K Jobs

2.14

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Pueblo, CO has 2.1x the national concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Pueblo, CO, exhibits a strong concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 2.14. This significantly higher-than-average concentration indicates a specialized and potentially competitive market where demand for these skills is notably pronounced compared to the rest of the nation.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Pueblo, CO?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Pueblo, CO is $37,910. This typically ranges from $30,070 for entry-level positions to $46,380 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Pueblo, CO is 0.6% lower than the national median of $38,130.

Is Pueblo, CO a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

Yes, it offers comparable value.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, Pueblo's Cost of Living Index of 100 means the salary's purchasing power is equivalent. The high concentration of these jobs also suggests strong local demand.

Is Pueblo, CO a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?

The Cost of Living Index in Pueblo, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Pueblo, CO?

Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($40,450) and Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area.

How does Pueblo's cook salary compare nationally?

The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Pueblo, CO, is $37,910, which is slightly lower than the national average of $38,130.

What is the job concentration for cooks in Pueblo?

Pueblo, CO has a Location Quotient of 2.14 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria, meaning the job is more than twice as concentrated there compared to the national average.

How many cooks are employed in Pueblo?

There are approximately 390 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria employed in Pueblo, CO, representing 6.211 jobs per 1,000 workers.

Does the cost of living affect the cook's salary in Pueblo?

The Cost of Living Index in Pueblo is 100, which is the national average. This suggests that the $37,910 salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 390 employees in the Pueblo, CO area with a job density of 6.211 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.