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.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Pueblo, CO earns-0.6%below the national average.
$18.2
$729
$3,159
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Pueblo is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles have seen steady, incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the food service industry. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased operational costs for institutions, and a consistent need for skilled kitchen staff.
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 Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly 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
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
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $40,450↑ 7% | 42 mi |
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $44,930↑ 19% | 66 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $39,600↑ 4% | 66 mi |
| Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $38,130↑ 1% | 66 mi |
Comparing salaries near Pueblo, CO
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.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Pueblo, CO