Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Cooks in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $43,320, significantly outpacing the national average of $37,700. This higher compensation reflects the robust local economy and potentially higher demand for culinary professionals in this vibrant Colorado region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,320 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $50,590.
- Outlook: The Denver-Aurora-Centennial area boasts a substantial workforce of 17,090 Cooks, Restaurant, indicating a significant presence of this profession. With a Location Quotient of 1.12, the concentration of these jobs is slightly above the national average, suggesting a healthy and potentially growing demand for culinary talent within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earns+14.9%above the national average.
$20.8
$833
$3,610
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in Denver-Aurora-Centennial have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and the increasing demand for skilled service professionals in a thriving metropolitan area.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Salary progression for Cooks typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and leadership capabilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the culinary field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $36,900 | $17.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $32,490 | $15.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $43,420 | $20.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $54,150 | $26 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $50,590 | $24.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,320
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,320
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a Cost of Living Index matching the national average of 100, the nominal salary of $43,320 for Cooks in Denver-Aurora-Centennial offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national standard. This means that while the salary is higher than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services in Denver is also on par with the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
17,090
Total Jobs
10.56
Per 1K Jobs
1.12
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.12, Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.12 indicates that the Denver-Aurora-Centennial area has a slightly higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where demand is present, but perhaps not overwhelmingly saturated, offering a balanced environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $42,860↓ 1% | 27 mi |
| Greeley, CO Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $38,110↓ 12% | 45 mi |
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $40,900↓ 6% | 54 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $39,990↓ 8% | 54 mi |
| Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,120↓ 17% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $43,320. This typically ranges from $36,900 for entry-level positions to $50,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 14.9% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO offers a more lucrative environment for Cooks, Restaurants compared to the national average.The average annual salary of $43,320 is notably higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating better real wages.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Boulder, CO ($42,860) and Greeley, CO.
How does the Denver-Aurora-Centennial salary compare to the national average for Cooks?
Cooks in Denver-Aurora-Centennial earn an average of $43,320 annually, which is $5,620 more than the national average of $37,700.
What is the job concentration for Cooks in Denver-Aurora-Centennial?
The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.12, indicating a slightly higher presence of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in this area compared to the national average.
How does the Cost of Living in Denver-Aurora-Centennial affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the higher nominal salary in Denver provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the total local workforce size suggest about job availability?
With 17,090 Cooks, Restaurant employed locally, it indicates a substantial job market for this profession within the Denver-Aurora-Centennial metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 17,090 employees in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area with a job density of 10.56 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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO