Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Cooks in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $39,990, surpassing the national average of $37,700. This higher local compensation is likely driven by the region's specific labor market dynamics and the concentration of restaurant roles relative to the available workforce.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,080.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 1,860 Cooks, Restaurant professionals, and a Location Quotient of 1.83, the demand for culinary talent in Southwest Colorado appears robust. This concentration indicates a higher prevalence of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable and potentially growing job market for skilled cooks in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earns+6.1%above the national average.
$19.2
$769
$3,333
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant positions in Southwest Colorado have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors such as inflation, increased demand for dining services, and evolving labor market conditions typically contribute to upward salary adjustments for skilled trades.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant roles typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned chefs with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The observed salary distribution within Southwest Colorado likely reflects these experience-based increments, with significant percentile gaps indicating clear career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $30,780 | $14.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,993 | $14.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,540 | $18 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $49,988 | $24 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,080 | $22.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,990
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $39,990 in Southwest Colorado aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living (index of 100). This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in this region is comparable to that of someone earning the national average elsewhere, offering a stable financial foundation for residents.
Job Market Context
1,860
Total Jobs
17.21
Per 1K Jobs
1.83
Location Quotient
Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area has 1.8x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.83 signifies that Cooks, Restaurant roles are nearly twice as concentrated in Southwest Colorado compared to the national average. This indicates a highly competitive market for employers seeking talent, but also suggests abundant opportunities for job seekers in this specific culinary niche within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $39,050↓ 2% | 32 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $43,320↑ 8% | 54 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,270↓ 7% | 66 mi |
| Boulder, CO Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $42,860↑ 7% | 67 mi |
| Greeley, CO Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $38,110↓ 5% | 98 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is $39,990. This typically ranges from $30,780 for entry-level positions to $47,080 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 6.1% higher than the national median of $37,700.
Is Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Yes, it offers competitive pay and a strong job market.The average salary of $39,990 is above the national average, and the high concentration of roles (LQ 1.83) suggests strong demand for cooks.
Is Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($39,050) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
How does the cost of living affect the salary for cooks in Southwest Colorado?
The cost of living in Southwest Colorado is at the national average (100), meaning the $39,990 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a financially stable location.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.83 mean for cooks?
A Location Quotient of 1.83 indicates that restaurant cook positions are significantly more common in Southwest Colorado than the national average, suggesting a strong local demand for these professionals.
How many restaurant cooks are employed in Southwest Colorado?
There are approximately 1,860 Cooks, Restaurant professionals employed in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area.
Are there good career advancement opportunities for cooks in this region?
While specific data isn't provided, the significant concentration of roles and above-average pay suggest a dynamic market where experience and skill development can lead to career progression and higher earnings.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,860 employees in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 17.21 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 Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area