Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO
Cooks in the Fort Collins-Loveland, Colorado area earn an average annual salary of $39,970, surpassing the national average of $37,700. This higher local compensation is likely driven by a combination of factors including the region's specific economic demands and a robust tourism or hospitality sector that requires skilled culinary professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,970 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,770.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,130 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 1.28, Fort Collins-Loveland demonstrates a notable concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy and potentially growing demand for culinary talent within the region, indicating a stable job market for individuals in this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO earns+6.0%above the national average.
$19.2
$769
$3,331
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in Fort Collins-Loveland have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages in the service industry. This upward trajectory is often influenced by inflation, rising operational costs for restaurants, and a sustained demand for dining experiences.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO
Career progression for Cooks, Restaurant, typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs or kitchen managers can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The observed salary distribution in Fort Collins-Loveland likely reflects these experience-based increments, with substantial gaps between junior and senior roles signifying clear career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $30,190 | $14.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,978 | $14.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $38,010 | $18.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $49,963 | $24 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,770 | $22.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,970
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,970
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $39,970 in Fort Collins-Loveland aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this area is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that while wages are higher than the national average, the cost of essential goods and services remains balanced.
Job Market Context
2,130
Total Jobs
12.099
Per 1K Jobs
1.28
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.28, Fort Collins-Loveland, CO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.28 indicates that Cooks, Restaurant, are 28% more concentrated in Fort Collins-Loveland than the national average. This suggests a more competitive job market for these professionals, implying that employers may have a wider pool of candidates to choose from, but also that the demand for these skills is robust enough to support a higher density of roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greeley, CO Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $38,110↓ 5% | 18 mi |
| Boulder, CO Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $42,860↑ 7% | 37 mi |
| Cheyenne, WY Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,990↓ 10% | 43 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $43,320↑ 8% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Collins-Loveland, CO
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO is $39,970. This typically ranges from $30,190 for entry-level positions to $46,770 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO is 6.0% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Fort Collins-Loveland, CO a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, it offers a slightly more lucrative environment for Cooks, Restaurants.The average salary of $39,970 exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good earning potential relative to expenses.
Is Fort Collins-Loveland, CO a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Collins-Loveland, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greeley, CO ($38,110) and Boulder, CO.
How does the Fort Collins-Loveland salary compare to the national average for Cooks?
Cooks in Fort Collins-Loveland earn an average of $39,970 annually, which is higher than the national average of $37,700.
What is the Cost of Living in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Collins-Loveland is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated are Cook jobs in Fort Collins-Loveland?
Cook jobs are more concentrated in Fort Collins-Loveland than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.28.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.28 signify for Cooks in Fort Collins-Loveland?
A Location Quotient of 1.28 means that Cooks, Restaurant, are 28% more prevalent in the Fort Collins-Loveland area compared to the national average, indicating a strong local presence of this profession.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,130 employees in the Fort Collins-Loveland, CO area with a job density of 12.099 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 Fort Collins-Loveland, CO