SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Boulder, CO

Cooks in Boulder, Colorado, earn an average annual salary of $42,860, significantly exceeding the national average of $37,700. This higher compensation is often driven by Boulder's unique economic landscape, including a strong tourism sector and a high demand for skilled culinary professionals in a vibrant restaurant scene.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $42,860 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $53,820.
  • Outlook: The job market for Cooks in Boulder, CO, appears robust, with a local workforce of 2,650 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.44 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a sustained demand and a healthy employment environment for culinary professionals in the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$42,860

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Boulder, CO earns+13.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20.6

Weekly

$824

Monthly

$3,572

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Boulder, CO

Salary progression for Cooks in Boulder, CO, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized culinary skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career advancement, rewarding accumulated expertise and responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$33,540$16.1
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$32,145$15.5
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$41,390$19.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$53,575$25.8
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$53,820$25.9

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$42,860

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$42,860

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $42,860 in Boulder, CO, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment for residents.

Job Market Context

2,650

Total Jobs

13.551

Per 1K Jobs

1.44

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.44, Boulder, CO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.44, Boulder, CO, demonstrates a notable concentration of Cooks relative to the rest of the United States. This suggests that the job market for these professionals is more active and potentially more competitive in Boulder than in many other regions, offering more opportunities but also requiring professionals to stand out.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Cooks, Restaurant Salary$43,320↑ 1%27 mi
Greeley, CO Cooks, Restaurant Salary$38,110↓ 11%37 mi
Fort Collins-Loveland, CO Cooks, Restaurant Salary$39,970↓ 7%37 mi
Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$40,900↓ 5%67 mi
Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$39,990↓ 7%67 mi

Comparing salaries near Boulder, CO

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Boulder, CO?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Boulder, CO is $42,860. This typically ranges from $33,540 for entry-level positions to $53,820 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Boulder, CO is 13.7% higher than the national median of $37,700.

Is Boulder, CO a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Yes, Boulder, CO offers a more lucrative environment for Cooks than the national average.Cooks in Boulder earn approximately $5,000 more annually than their national counterparts. This higher wage is balanced by a Cost of Living Index that matches the national average, making the increased salary more impactful.

Is Boulder, CO a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Boulder, CO?

Some top paying nearby cities include Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO ($43,320) and Greeley, CO.

What is the average salary for a Cook in Boulder, CO?

The average annual salary for Cooks in Boulder, CO is $42,860.

How does the Boulder Cook salary compare to the national average?

Cooks in Boulder, CO earn an average of $42,860 annually, which is higher than the national average of $37,700.

What is the Cost of Living in Boulder, CO?

Boulder, CO has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is equivalent to the national average.

Is there high demand for Cooks in Boulder, CO?

Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.44 indicates a higher concentration of Cook positions in Boulder compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,650 employees in the Boulder, CO area with a job density of 13.551 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Boulder, CO