Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Boulder, CO
In Boulder, CO, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $44,990, significantly surpassing the national average of $35,960. This higher compensation is likely driven by Boulder's unique economic landscape, which often demands higher wages to attract and retain talent in specialized service industries.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 39.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $65,090.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 17,660 individuals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, and a Location Quotient of 1.02, Boulder demonstrates a robust and slightly above-average concentration of these roles. This indicates a stable demand for food service professionals, suggesting a healthy and consistent job market within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Boulder, CO earns+25.1%above the national average.
$21.6
$865
$3,749
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Boulder have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is often influenced by inflation, increasing demand for skilled service workers, and the overall economic vitality of the Boulder area.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Boulder, CO
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Boulder, CO, typically sees a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data isn't available, the gap between starting wages and experienced professional salaries is expected to be substantial, reflecting the value placed on acquired skills, leadership, and specialized knowledge in the culinary and service fields.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $32,210 | $15.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $33,743 | $16.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $38,410 | $18.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $56,238 | $27 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $65,090 | $31.3 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,990
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $44,990 in Boulder, CO, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is effectively equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
17,660
Total Jobs
90.302
Per 1K Jobs
1.02
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.02, Boulder, CO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
Boulder's Location Quotient of 1.02 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations suggests that the concentration of these jobs is just slightly above the national average. This indicates a competitive yet stable job market, where opportunities are readily available, but employers may still seek qualified candidates with specific experience.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
Comparing salaries near Boulder, CO
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Boulder, CO?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Boulder, CO is $44,990. This typically ranges from $32,210 for entry-level positions to $65,090 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Boulder, CO is 25.1% higher than the national median of $35,960.
Is Boulder, CO a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Yes, Boulder, CO offers a lucrative environment for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations.The average salary of $44,990 is notably higher than the national average, and the cost of living remains at the national average, providing strong purchasing power.
Is Boulder, CO a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Boulder, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Boulder, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO ($42,750) and Greeley, CO.
How does Boulder's average food prep salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Boulder, CO is $44,990, which is significantly higher than the national average of $35,960.
What is the Cost of Living in Boulder, CO relative to the national average?
Boulder, 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 nationwide.
How concentrated are Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs in Boulder?
With a Location Quotient of 1.02, Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are slightly more concentrated in Boulder, CO than the national average, suggesting a healthy presence of these roles.
What does the total local workforce size imply for job seekers?
A total local workforce of 17,660 in this sector indicates a substantial number of potential employers and a dynamic job market for those seeking employment in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Boulder.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 17,660 employees in the Boulder, CO area with a job density of 90.302 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Boulder, CO