Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Cooks, Short Order professionals in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metropolitan area can expect to earn an average annual salary of $49,260. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $35,650, indicating a robust local demand and potentially higher cost of doing business within this dynamic Colorado region. The localized economic factors and industry needs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $49,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,170.
- Outlook: The Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO market for Cooks, Short Order is supported by a local workforce of 1,160 individuals. While the Location Quotient of 0.74 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, the presence of nearly 1,200 professionals indicates a stable, albeit not hyper-concentrated, demand for their culinary skills within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earns+38.2%above the national average.
$23.7
$947
$4,105
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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO have experienced a positive growth trend over the past four years, mirroring national economic patterns and the increasing cost of living in desirable metropolitan areas. This upward trajectory is typical for skilled labor in growing urban centers.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Career progression for Cooks, Short Order typically involves a discernible salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary expertise and supervisory skills can command salaries significantly above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this clear pathway for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $40,470 | $19.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $36,945 | $17.8 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $44,090 | $21.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $61,575 | $29.6 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $63,170 | $30.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$49,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$49,260
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $49,260 in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Short Order Cook's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while nominal earnings are higher, the cost of essential goods and services remains balanced.
Job Market Context
1,160
Total Jobs
0.718
Per 1K Jobs
0.74
Location Quotient
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.74, the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO market for Cooks, Short Order is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and valued, it may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering a competitive edge for skilled individuals seeking employment opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $39,270↓ 20% | 54 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $41,100↓ 17% | 54 mi |
| Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $39,640↓ 20% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $49,260. This typically ranges from $40,470 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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 38.2% higher than the national median of $35,650.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a lucrative place for Cooks, Short Orders?
Yes, it offers above-average earnings.The average salary of $49,260 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it financially advantageous.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area ($39,270) and Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Cooks, Short Order in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $49,260, which is significantly higher than the national average of $35,650.
What is the Cost of Living in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO for Cooks, Short Order?
The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that expenses are balanced with the higher local salaries.
How concentrated is the job market for Cooks, Short Order in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The Location Quotient of 0.74 suggests that the market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, implying a stable but not overly saturated job environment.
What is the total workforce size for Cooks, Short Order in this area?
There are approximately 1,160 Cooks, Short Order employed within the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,160 employees in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area with a job density of 0.718 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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO