In the Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $38,730. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $35,960, suggesting that regional factors and demand contribute to a competitive compensation landscape for these roles. The localized economic conditions and the specific needs of the service industry within this region likely influence this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,730 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 37.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $51,900.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Eastern and Southern Colorado is stable, with a total local workforce of 6,260 individuals. The location quotient of 1.01 indicates that this sector is proportionally represented in the region compared to the national average, suggesting a consistent and steady demand for these services. With 88.84 jobs per 1,000 workers, the sector demonstrates a healthy presence and ongoing need for skilled professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area earns+7.7%above the national average.
$18.6
$745
$3,228
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Eastern and Southern Colorado have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, inflation, and increasing labor costs typically drive upward adjustments in wages across most service industries, including food preparation.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations typically involves a clear salary scaling from entry-level positions to senior roles. As individuals gain experience, develop specialized skills, and take on greater responsibilities, their earning potential increases significantly. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight these opportunities for advancement, rewarding dedication and expertise with higher compensation.
| 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) | $29,048 | $14 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,840 | $16.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $48,413 | $23.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $51,900 | $25 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,730
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,730
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $38,730 in Eastern and Southern Colorado aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in this region is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
6,260
Total Jobs
88.84
Per 1K Jobs
1.01
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.01, Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
With a location quotient of 1.01, the job market for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Eastern and Southern Colorado is nearly identical in concentration to the national average. This suggests a balanced and competitive environment where the number of available jobs closely matches the proportion of workers in this field, indicating neither a significant surplus nor a scarcity of opportunities.
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↑ 3% | 32 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $42,750↑ 10% | 54 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $38,430↓ 1% | 66 mi |
| Boulder, CO Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $44,990↑ 16% | 67 mi |
| Greeley, CO Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $39,630↑ 2% | 98 mi |
Comparing salaries near Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations make in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area is $38,730. This typically ranges from $29,990 for entry-level positions to $51,900 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 7.7% higher than the national median of $35,960.
Is Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation.The average salary of $38,730 slightly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national index, indicating good earning potential relative to expenses.
Is Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($40,060) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Eastern and Southern Colorado is $38,730, which is slightly higher than the national average of $35,960.
What is the cost of living in Eastern and Southern Colorado?
The cost of living index for this region is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the national standard.
How many people work in Food Preparation in this area?
There are approximately 6,260 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in the Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area.
Is there high demand for food preparation jobs in this region?
The location quotient of 1.01 suggests that the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,260 employees in the Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 88.84 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 Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area