Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Grand Junction, CO
Cooks in Grand Junction, Colorado, earn an average annual salary of $36,990. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, suggesting that while demand exists, local economic factors and the cost of living may influence compensation levels. Understanding these nuances is crucial for culinary professionals in the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,680.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 740 individuals in this role, Grand Junction demonstrates a notable concentration of restaurant cooks, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.17. This suggests that the demand for these professionals is slightly higher than the national average, pointing towards a stable job market with ongoing opportunities for skilled cooks.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Grand Junction, CO earns-1.9%below the national average.
$17.8
$711
$3,083
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in Grand Junction, CO, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for dining services, and the need for experienced culinary talent.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Grand Junction, CO
Salary progression for Cooks in Grand Junction typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights clear career advancement opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly 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) | $27,743 | $13.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,720 | $17.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $46,238 | $22.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,680 | $21.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,990
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,990 in Grand Junction aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Grand Junction is comparable to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain due to living expenses.
Job Market Context
740
Total Jobs
11.005
Per 1K Jobs
1.17
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.17, Grand Junction, CO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.17 indicates that Grand Junction has a slightly higher concentration of restaurant cooks compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where employers may have a good pool of local talent, but also implies a steady demand for skilled individuals to fill available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Grand Junction, CO?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Grand Junction, CO is $36,990. This typically ranges from $29,990 for entry-level positions to $44,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Grand Junction, CO is 1.9% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Grand Junction, CO a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, but it offers stable employment.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making it a balanced financial environment. The slightly higher concentration of cooks suggests steady demand.
Is Grand Junction, CO a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Grand Junction, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does experience affect a cook's salary in Grand Junction?
Experience is a key driver of salary for cooks. Entry-level positions generally offer lower pay, while seasoned cooks with specialized skills and a proven track record can earn significantly more, moving into higher salary percentiles.
What is the cost of living in Grand Junction compared to the national average?
The cost of living in Grand Junction is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100. This means that the general expenses for housing, food, and transportation are comparable to the U.S. average.
Is there high demand for cooks in Grand Junction?
The Location Quotient of 1.17 suggests a slightly higher demand for cooks in Grand Junction than the national average, indicating a healthy job market for culinary professionals in the area.
How many restaurant cooks are there in Grand Junction?
There are approximately 740 individuals employed as restaurant cooks in Grand Junction, CO, representing about 11.005 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 740 employees in the Grand Junction, CO area with a job density of 11.005 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 Grand Junction, CO