Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Colorado
Cooks, Short Order professionals in Colorado earn an average annual salary of $45,240, significantly exceeding the national average of $35,650. This higher compensation in Colorado can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a robust local economy and potentially higher operational costs for businesses within the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,240 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 52.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,170.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,080 Cooks, Short Order, Colorado demonstrates a notable presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 0.74 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the absolute number of professionals indicates a stable and active job market for short-order cooks within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in Colorado earns+26.9%above the national average.
$21.8
$870
$3,770
Cooks, Short Order Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Short Order in Colorado have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring general wage growth across many service industries. This growth is likely influenced by inflation, increasing demand for skilled culinary staff, and evolving labor market dynamics.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Colorado
Salary progression for Cooks, Short Order in Colorado typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $31,970 | $15.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $33,930 | $16.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $44,090 | $21.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $56,550 | $27.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $63,170 | $30.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,240
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,882
Adjusted for COL (105.5)
The average annual salary of $45,240 in Colorado presents a mixed financial picture when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 105.5. While the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the cost of living being 5.5% above the national average means that the purchasing power of this salary may be slightly diminished compared to lower-cost areas with similar wages.
Job Market Context
2,080
Total Jobs
0.72
Per 1K Jobs
0.74
Location Quotient
Colorado has 0.74x the national average concentration of Cooks, Short Order jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.74 indicates that Cooks, Short Order are employed in Colorado at a rate slightly lower than the national average relative to the overall workforce. This suggests that while the profession is present, the market may not be as saturated as in some other regions, potentially offering moderate competition for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO Cooks, Short Order Salary | $41,820↓ 8% | 32 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Cooks, Short Order Salary | $49,260↑ 9% | 54 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Cooks, Short Order Salary | $43,710↓ 3% | 66 mi |
Comparing salaries near Colorado
Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Colorado?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Colorado is $45,240. This typically ranges from $31,970 for entry-level positions to $63,170 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Colorado is 26.9% higher than the national median of $35,650.
Is Colorado a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?
Yes, with considerations.Colorado offers a higher average salary for Cooks, Short Order compared to the national average. However, the elevated cost of living requires careful financial planning.
Is Colorado a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado is 105.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($41,820) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
What is the average hourly wage for a Short Order Cook in Colorado?
Based on the average annual salary of $45,240, the estimated average hourly wage for a Short Order Cook in Colorado is approximately $21.75, assuming a standard 40-hour work week.
How does Colorado's cost of living affect the salary of a Short Order Cook?
Colorado's cost of living index of 105.5 means that everyday expenses are about 5.5% higher than the national average. This higher cost of living partially offsets the higher nominal salary compared to national averages.
Are there many job opportunities for Short Order Cooks in Colorado?
With 2,080 professionals in the field and a jobs per 1,000 workers rate of 0.72, there is a consistent demand for Short Order Cooks in Colorado, though the market is not exceptionally concentrated compared to the national average.
What factors contribute to the higher salary for Short Order Cooks in Colorado?
Higher salaries in Colorado are often driven by a strong state economy, a higher cost of doing business, and potentially a greater demand for skilled service industry professionals in popular tourist and metropolitan areas.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,080 employees in the Colorado area with a job density of 0.72 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, Short Order • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Colorado