SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Colorado

Cooks in Colorado are earning an average annual salary of $41,610, which is notably higher than the national average of $37,700. This elevated pay is often a reflection of the state's robust tourism and hospitality sectors, which drive demand for skilled culinary professionals and necessitate competitive compensation to attract and retain talent.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $41,610 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,040.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 33,920 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 1.25, Colorado demonstrates a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This indicates a healthy and active job market for culinary professionals, suggesting consistent demand and opportunities within the state's vibrant food service industry.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$41,610

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Colorado earns+10.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20

Weekly

$800

Monthly

$3,468

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Colorado

Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Colorado typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on expertise and leadership in the culinary field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$32,120$15.4
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$31,208$15
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$39,170$18.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$52,013$25
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$49,040$23.6

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$41,610

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$39,441

Adjusted for COL (105.5)

The average annual salary of $41,610 in Colorado presents a mixed picture when considering the state's Cost of Living Index of 105.5. While the nominal salary exceeds the national average, the cost of living is also 5.5% higher than the national benchmark, meaning the purchasing power of this salary may be slightly diminished compared to areas with a lower cost of living.

Job Market Context

33,920

Total Jobs

11.732

Per 1K Jobs

1.25

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.25, Colorado has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.25 signifies that Colorado has a higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. This suggests a robust demand for these professionals, making the job market potentially more competitive for employers seeking talent, and offering more opportunities for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Colorado Springs, CO Cooks, Restaurant Salary$39,050↓ 6%32 mi
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Cooks, Restaurant Salary$43,320↑ 4%54 mi
Pueblo, CO Cooks, Restaurant Salary$37,270↓ 10%66 mi
Boulder, CO Cooks, Restaurant Salary$42,860↑ 3%67 mi
Greeley, CO Cooks, Restaurant Salary$38,110↓ 8%98 mi

Comparing salaries near Colorado

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Colorado?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Colorado is $41,610. This typically ranges from $32,120 for entry-level positions to $49,040 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Colorado is 10.4% higher than the national median of $37,700.

Is Colorado a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Yes, with caveats.Colorado offers a higher average salary for Cooks, Restaurant than the national average, but this is partially offset by a cost of living that is also above the national average.

Is Colorado a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Colorado is 105.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado?

Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($39,050) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.

What is the average salary for a Cook in Colorado?

The average annual salary for a Cook, Restaurant in Colorado is approximately $41,610.

How does Colorado's Cook salary compare to the national average?

Cooks in Colorado earn an average of $41,610 annually, which is higher than the national average of $37,700.

Is the job market for Cooks strong in Colorado?

Yes, with a Location Quotient of 1.25, Colorado has a higher concentration of Cook positions than the national average, indicating a strong job market.

How does the cost of living in Colorado affect a Cook's salary?

Colorado's cost of living is 5.5% higher than the national average, meaning the higher salary of $41,610 has slightly less purchasing power than it would in a lower-cost area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 33,920 employees in the Colorado area with a job density of 11.732 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 Colorado