Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Pueblo, CO
Cooks in Pueblo, Colorado, can expect an average annual salary of $37,270. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, indicating a minor pay differential. Local economic factors and the specific demand within Pueblo's culinary scene likely contribute to this compensation level.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,270 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,260.
- Outlook: Pueblo, CO, supports a local workforce of 640 Cooks, Restaurant positions. With a Location Quotient of 1.08, the concentration of these jobs in Pueblo is slightly higher than the national average, suggesting a stable and potentially growing demand for culinary professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Pueblo, CO earns-1.1%below the national average.
$17.9
$717
$3,106
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Pueblo's cook salaries isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in compensation over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Inflationary pressures and increasing demand for skilled kitchen staff typically drive salary growth in the food service industry.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Pueblo, CO
The salary range for Cooks, Restaurant in Pueblo, CO, can vary significantly based on experience. Entry-level positions typically fall in the lower percentiles, while senior or specialized cooks command higher salaries, often found in the upper percentiles. This progression 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) | $27,953 | $13.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,100 | $17.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $46,588 | $22.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,260 | $21.8 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,270
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,270
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $37,270 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the nominal income in Pueblo, CO, directly reflects the national cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Pueblo is comparable to that of a cook in a similarly priced national average location.
Job Market Context
640
Total Jobs
10.147
Per 1K Jobs
1.08
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.08, Pueblo, CO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
Pueblo, CO, exhibits a Location Quotient of 1.08 for Cooks, Restaurant, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy local market where demand is at least on par with, if not slightly exceeding, national levels, potentially offering good opportunities for employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $39,050↑ 5% | 42 mi |
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $40,900↑ 10% | 66 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $39,990↑ 7% | 66 mi |
| Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,120↓ 3% | 66 mi |
Comparing salaries near Pueblo, CO
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Pueblo, CO?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Pueblo, CO is $37,270. This typically ranges from $29,990 for entry-level positions to $45,260 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Pueblo, CO is 1.1% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Pueblo, CO a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Moderately. The salary aligns with the national average cost of living.The average salary of $37,270 is very close to the national average, and the cost of living index is exactly at the national average of 100. This indicates that while not exceptionally high, the compensation is fair for the local economic conditions.
Is Pueblo, CO a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Pueblo, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Pueblo, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($39,050) and Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area.
How does Pueblo's cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks in Pueblo, CO, is $37,270, which is slightly lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the concentration of restaurant cooks in Pueblo, CO?
Pueblo, CO has a Location Quotient of 1.08 for Cooks, Restaurant, meaning the concentration of these jobs is slightly higher than the national average.
How does experience affect a cook's salary in Pueblo, CO?
Experience plays a significant role, with entry-level cooks earning less and senior or specialized cooks commanding higher salaries, reflecting career progression.
Is the cost of living in Pueblo, CO high for cooks?
No, Pueblo, CO has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of living is neither high nor low relative to the rest of the country.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 640 employees in the Pueblo, CO area with a job density of 10.147 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 Pueblo, CO