Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $40,900, notably exceeding the national average of $37,700. This elevated pay is likely influenced by the region's specific economic drivers and potentially a higher demand for skilled culinary professionals in its unique setting.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,900 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,950.
- Outlook: The job market for Cooks in Northwest Colorado appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 3,060 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.45 strongly indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a healthy and potentially growing demand for culinary talent within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earns+8.5%above the national average.
$19.7
$787
$3,408
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks in Northwest Colorado have seen steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for dining services, and the need to attract and retain skilled workers likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities 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) | $31,640 | $15.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $30,675 | $14.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $38,290 | $18.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $51,125 | $24.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,950 | $23.5 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,900
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,900
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $40,900 and a Cost of Living Index matching the national average of 100, the nominal income in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area offers purchasing power equivalent to the national standard. This means that while the salary is higher than the national average, the cost of goods and services is also on par, providing a balanced financial outlook for residents.
Job Market Context
3,060
Total Jobs
23.108
Per 1K Jobs
2.45
Location Quotient
Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area has 2.5x the national concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 2.45 for Cooks in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area signifies a significant concentration of these jobs relative to the national landscape. This suggests that the market is more specialized and potentially more competitive for employers seeking talent, or conversely, offers more abundant opportunities for job seekers in this specific occupation compared to other areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $39,050↓ 5% | 32 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $43,320↑ 6% | 54 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,270↓ 9% | 66 mi |
| Boulder, CO Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $42,860↑ 5% | 67 mi |
| Greeley, CO Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $38,110↓ 7% | 98 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is $40,900. This typically ranges from $31,640 for entry-level positions to $48,950 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 8.5% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, with a caveat.The average salary of $40,900 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par. However, the lucrative nature is balanced by the national average cost of living.
Is Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($39,050) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 23.108 jobs per 1,000 workers, Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area has a significantly higher concentration of Cook positions than the national average, indicating strong local demand.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.45 mean for Cooks?
A Location Quotient of 2.45 means that the concentration of Cook jobs in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is more than double the national average, suggesting a specialized and potentially robust job market for this role.
How does the cost of living impact the $40,900 salary?
Since the Cost of Living Index is 100 (national average), the $40,900 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning the higher nominal wage is offset by comparable living expenses.
What is the total number of Cooks employed in this region?
There are approximately 3,060 Cooks employed in the Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area, representing a substantial segment of the local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,060 employees in the Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 23.108 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 Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area