Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Colorado Springs, CO
Cooks in Colorado Springs, CO, earn an average annual salary of $39,050, which is slightly above the national average of $37,700. This higher compensation in Colorado Springs can be attributed to a combination of local demand and the specific economic landscape of the region, making it a competitive market for culinary professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,050 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,770.
- Outlook: The culinary job market in Colorado Springs appears robust, with a local workforce of 3,800 Cooks, Restaurant. The Location Quotient of 1.27 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a steady demand for skilled kitchen staff within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Colorado Springs, CO earns+3.6%above the national average.
$18.8
$751
$3,254
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in Colorado Springs have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the food service industry. Increased demand, rising operational costs for restaurants, and a desire to attract and retain talent likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Colorado Springs, CO
Experience significantly impacts earnings for Cooks, Restaurant. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary data clearly signify a career progression path, rewarding expertise and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $30,850 | $14.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,288 | $14.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,040 | $17.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $48,813 | $23.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,770 | $22 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,050
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,050
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $39,050 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the nominal salary in Colorado Springs offers purchasing power equivalent to the national standard. This means that the earnings of a Cook in this city will likely cover essential expenses at a rate comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
3,800
Total Jobs
11.929
Per 1K Jobs
1.27
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.27, Colorado Springs, CO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.27 for Cooks, Restaurant in Colorado Springs signifies that this profession is more concentrated here than the national average. This suggests a healthy and active job market with potentially more opportunities available relative to the size of the workforce, indicating a competitive but accessible environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $40,900↑ 5% | 32 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $39,990↑ 2% | 32 mi |
| Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,120↓ 8% | 32 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,270↓ 5% | 42 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $43,320↑ 11% | 62 mi |
Comparing salaries near Colorado Springs, CO
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Colorado Springs, CO?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Colorado Springs, CO is $39,050. This typically ranges from $30,850 for entry-level positions to $45,770 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Colorado Springs, CO is 3.6% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Colorado Springs, CO a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, Colorado Springs offers slightly above-average pay for Cooks.The average salary of $39,050 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it a financially stable location for this profession.
Is Colorado Springs, CO a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado Springs, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado Springs, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area ($40,900) and Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of Cooks in Colorado Springs compare nationally?
With 11.929 jobs per 1,000 workers, the concentration of Cooks in Colorado Springs is notably higher than the national average, indicating a strong local presence of this role.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Cooks in Colorado Springs?
An LQ of 1.27 means that Colorado Springs has 27% more Cooks, Restaurant jobs per capita than the national average, suggesting a higher demand or a more specialized culinary industry in the area.
How does the Cost of Living in Colorado Springs affect a Cook's salary?
The Cost of Living Index is exactly 100, meaning it costs the same to live in Colorado Springs as the national average. Therefore, the $39,050 salary provides average purchasing power.
What is the total number of Cooks employed in Colorado Springs?
There are approximately 3,800 Cooks employed in Colorado Springs, representing a significant portion of the local workforce within the food service sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,800 employees in the Colorado Springs, CO area with a job density of 11.929 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, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Colorado Springs, CO