Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $39,600, which is notably higher than the national average of $38,130. This elevated compensation reflects the specific labor market dynamics and potentially higher demand for institutional and cafeteria cooks within this region, which has a concentrated workforce in this occupation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,600 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,900.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area appears robust, evidenced by a total local workforce of 530 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.67 signifies a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a sustained or growing demand for culinary professionals in institutional settings within this area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earns+3.9%above the national average.
$19
$762
$3,300
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 the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory in compensation is likely driven by increasing demand for food services and a competitive labor market seeking to retain skilled culinary staff.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized dietary knowledge can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within this occupation highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential for dedicated professionals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $31,910 | $15.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,700 | $14.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $38,220 | $18.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $49,500 | $23.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,900 | $23 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,600
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,600
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $39,600 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in this region is neither a significant advantage nor a deterrent for potential residents in this profession.
Job Market Context
530
Total Jobs
4.865
Per 1K Jobs
1.67
Location Quotient
Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area has 1.7x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 1.67, the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs than the national average. This indicates a more specialized and potentially competitive market, where employers may actively seek out individuals with relevant experience due to the relative abundance of these roles compared to the general workforce.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $40,450↑ 2% | 32 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $43,220↑ 9% | 54 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,910↓ 4% | 66 mi |
| Boulder, CO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $45,870↑ 16% | 67 mi |
| Greeley, CO Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $39,310↓ 1% | 98 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is $39,600. This typically ranges from $31,910 for entry-level positions to $47,900 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 3.9% higher than the national median of $38,130.
Is Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Yes, it offers above-average pay.Cooks in this area earn more than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making the nominal salary quite competitive.
Is Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($40,450) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
How does the local salary compare to the national average for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria?
The average annual salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is $39,600, which is higher than the national average of $38,130.
What is the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in this area?
The Location Quotient is 1.67, meaning there are about 67% more jobs for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria relative to the national average concentration.
How does the cost of living affect the salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Southwest Colorado?
The cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $39,600 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in this region?
There are approximately 530 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in the Southwest 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 530 employees in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.865 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 Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area