Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Colorado Springs, CO
Short Order Cooks in Colorado Springs, CO, can expect to earn an average annual salary of $41,820, which is notably higher than the national average of $35,650. This elevated compensation likely reflects the specific economic conditions and demand for culinary professionals within the Colorado Springs metropolitan area, potentially influenced by tourism and a robust local economy.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,820 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 44.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,920.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 200 Short Order Cooks, Colorado Springs presents a moderate employment landscape for this role. The Location Quotient of 0.64 indicates that this profession is less concentrated here compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. The rate of 0.623 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports the notion of consistent, albeit not explosive, demand for these culinary professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in Colorado Springs, CO earns+17.3%above the national average.
$20.1
$804
$3,485
Cooks, Short Order Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Short Order Cooks in Colorado Springs have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory would likely be driven by increasing operational costs for businesses and a sustained demand for skilled kitchen staff, ensuring that compensation keeps pace with the evolving economic environment.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Colorado Springs, CO
The career path for Short Order Cooks typically involves progression from entry-level positions to more senior roles, with corresponding salary increases. While exact figures vary, the gap between entry-level and senior cook salaries can be significant, reflecting accumulated experience, mastery of complex recipes, and supervisory responsibilities. These percentile differences highlight clear opportunities for career advancement 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) | $29,990 | $14.4 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $31,365 | $15.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,750 | $18.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $52,275 | $25.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $58,920 | $28.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,820
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,820
Adjusted for COL (100)
For individuals considering a move to Colorado Springs, the average salary of $41,820 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Short Order Cook's salary in Colorado Springs is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the nominal wage effectively covers the cost of living without significant strain or surplus.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
0.623
Per 1K Jobs
0.64
Location Quotient
Colorado Springs, CO has 0.64x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.64 for Short Order Cooks in Colorado Springs signifies that the concentration of these jobs is below the national average. This suggests that while the role is present and necessary, the market is not saturated with this specific profession compared to other areas. Consequently, job seekers might find a moderately competitive environment, where skilled and experienced cooks are likely to be in steady demand.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $39,270↓ 6% | 32 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $41,100↓ 2% | 32 mi |
| Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $39,640↓ 5% | 32 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Cooks, Short Order Salary | $43,710↑ 5% | 42 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Cooks, Short Order Salary | $49,260↑ 18% | 62 mi |
Comparing salaries near Colorado Springs, CO
Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Colorado Springs, CO?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Colorado Springs, CO is $41,820. This typically ranges from $29,990 for entry-level positions to $58,920 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Colorado Springs, CO is 17.3% higher than the national median of $35,650.
Is Colorado Springs, CO a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?
Yes, it is a moderately lucrative place for Short Order Cooks.Short Order Cooks in Colorado Springs earn approximately 17% more than the national average salary. Coupled with a Cost of Living Index at the national average, this makes the nominal salary quite competitive for the area.
Is Colorado Springs, CO a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado Springs, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado Springs, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area ($39,270) and Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Short Order Cooks in Colorado Springs, CO is $41,820, which is significantly higher than the national average of $35,650.
What is the Cost of Living in Colorado Springs, CO?
Colorado Springs, CO has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the job market for Short Order Cooks in Colorado Springs?
The job market for Short Order Cooks in Colorado Springs is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.64, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated demand.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.64 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 0.64 indicates that there are fewer Short Order Cooks per capita in Colorado Springs compared to the national average, which can imply a steady demand for qualified individuals in the field.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Colorado Springs, CO area with a job density of 0.623 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 Springs, CO