SalaryNode

Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area

Cooks, Restaurant in the Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $36,120. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demands of the hospitality sector in this area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $36,120 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,090.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 670 individuals in this role, the market for Cooks, Restaurant in Eastern and Southern Colorado is moderately sized. The Location Quotient of 1.01 suggests a concentration of these jobs that is very close to the national average, implying a stable and consistent demand for culinary professionals within this region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$36,120

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area earns-4.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.4

Weekly

$695

Monthly

$3,010

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area

As with most professions, experience plays a significant role in the earning potential for Cooks, Restaurant. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory experience can expect to earn considerably more. The progression from lower to higher salary percentiles signifies substantial career growth and increased value within the culinary field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$29,990$14.4
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$27,090$13
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$35,210$16.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$45,150$21.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$45,090$21.7

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$36,120

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$36,120

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $36,120 in Eastern and Southern Colorado aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal income earned by a Cook, Restaurant in this region holds its purchasing power comparably to the national average, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.

Job Market Context

670

Total Jobs

9.517

Per 1K Jobs

1.01

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.01, Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.01 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in Eastern and Southern Colorado is almost identical to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the number of available positions closely matches the national proportion of workers in this occupation, implying a steady but not overly saturated employment landscape.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

Comparing salaries near Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area is $36,120. This typically ranges from $29,990 for entry-level positions to $45,090 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 4.2% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $36,120 is slightly below the national average of $37,700, and while the cost of living is average, the pay does not significantly exceed national benchmarks.

Is Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

The Cost of Living Index in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area?

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

How does the local workforce size affect job prospects for Cooks, Restaurant?

A local workforce of 670 indicates a moderate-sized market. While not as large as metropolitan areas, it suggests consistent opportunities for cooks within the region's hospitality businesses.

What does a Location Quotient of 1.01 mean for Cooks, Restaurant?

A Location Quotient of 1.01 signifies that the presence of Cooks, Restaurant jobs in this area is very similar to the national average. This implies a stable demand that aligns with typical employment patterns for this role.

How does the Cost of Living in Eastern and Southern Colorado compare nationally?

The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the expenses for housing, food, and other necessities are comparable to the rest of the country.

Are there significant salary differences based on experience for Cooks, Restaurant in this area?

Yes, like most roles, experience is a key factor. Entry-level cooks will earn less, while those with several years of experience, specialized skills, or supervisory roles can command higher salaries, reflecting career progression.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 670 employees in the Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 9.517 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.