Average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Colorado
In Colorado, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $42,130, notably higher than the national average of $35,960. This elevated compensation reflects the state's robust economy and potentially higher demand for skilled service professionals, driving wages above the national benchmark.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,550.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 273,300 individuals in these roles and a Location Quotient of 1.07, Colorado demonstrates a healthy concentration of food preparation and serving jobs relative to the national average. This indicates a stable and potentially growing demand for these occupations within the state's labor market.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Colorado earns+17.2%above the national average.
$20.3
$810
$3,511
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Colorado have experienced a positive growth trend over the past four years, mirroring general economic improvements and inflation. This upward trajectory likely reflects increased demand and a competitive labor market for these essential roles.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Colorado
Salaries within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Colorado typically scale with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and leadership experience can command significantly higher earnings. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles, often seen across different salary percentiles, signifies clear career progression opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $30,150 | $14.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $31,598 | $15.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,880 | $17.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $52,663 | $25.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $60,550 | $29.1 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,934
Adjusted for COL (105.5)
The average annual salary of $42,130 in Colorado presents a mixed picture when considering 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 is somewhat moderated, requiring careful budgeting for residents.
Job Market Context
273,300
Total Jobs
94.528
Per 1K Jobs
1.07
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.07, Colorado has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
Colorado's Location Quotient of 1.07 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations suggests a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates that these roles are relatively more prevalent in Colorado compared to other occupations, potentially leading to a more competitive environment for job seekers but also signifying a strong presence and demand within the state's economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $40,060↓ 5% | 32 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $42,750↑ 1% | 54 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $38,430↓ 9% | 66 mi |
| Boulder, CO Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $44,990↑ 7% | 67 mi |
| Greeley, CO Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $39,630↓ 6% | 98 mi |
Comparing salaries near Colorado
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Colorado?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Colorado is $42,130. This typically ranges from $30,150 for entry-level positions to $60,550 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Colorado is 17.2% higher than the national median of $35,960.
Is Colorado a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Yes, Colorado offers a more lucrative environment for these roles compared to the national average.The average salary of $42,130 significantly surpasses the national average, and the slightly higher concentration of jobs (LQ 1.07) suggests robust demand.
Is Colorado a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
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 ($40,060) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
How does Colorado's average food preparation salary compare to the national average?
Colorado's average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is $42,130, which is approximately $6,170 higher than the national average of $35,960.
What is the significance of Colorado's Location Quotient (LQ) for this occupation group?
A Location Quotient of 1.07 indicates that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are 7% more concentrated in Colorado's workforce than they are nationally, suggesting a slightly higher prevalence and demand for these roles in the state.
How does the cost of living in Colorado affect the food preparation salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 105.5, Colorado is 5.5% more expensive than the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is higher, the actual purchasing power is somewhat reduced compared to living in a more affordable state.
What does the total local workforce number imply for job seekers?
A total local workforce of 273,300 in these occupations suggests a large and active labor market in Colorado, offering numerous opportunities but also potentially indicating a competitive landscape for entry-level positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 273,300 employees in the Colorado area with a job density of 94.528 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 Colorado