In the Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $44,680. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $35,960, indicating a premium placed on these roles within this specific region. The unique economic landscape and demand dynamics of Northwest Colorado likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,680 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,300.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 19,200 individuals in these roles and a Location Quotient of 1.64, Northwest Colorado exhibits a strong concentration of food preparation and serving jobs. This indicates a robust demand that outpaces the national average, suggesting a healthy and potentially growing job market for these professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earns+24.2%above the national average.
$21.5
$859
$3,723
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 Northwest Colorado have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors and evolving labor market demands typically drive incremental increases in compensation for these essential roles.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Career progression in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within Northwest Colorado is typically marked by increasing salary potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced chefs, managers, and specialized roles command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning capacity with acquired skills and experience.
| 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) | $33,510 | $16.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,040 | $17.8 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $55,850 | $26.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $73,300 | $35.2 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,680
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,680
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $44,680 in Northwest Colorado 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 salary is equivalent to the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of affordability.
Job Market Context
19,200
Total Jobs
145.127
Per 1K Jobs
1.64
Location Quotient
Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area has 1.6x the national concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.64 signifies that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are 64% more concentrated in Northwest Colorado than the national average. This suggests a highly specialized and potentially competitive market where these roles are in greater demand relative to the overall workforce, offering unique opportunities for those in the field.
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↓ 10% | 32 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $42,750↓ 4% | 54 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $38,430↓ 14% | 66 mi |
| Boulder, CO Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $44,990↑ 1% | 67 mi |
| Greeley, CO Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $39,630↓ 11% | 98 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest 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 Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is $44,680. This typically ranges from $29,990 for entry-level positions to $73,300 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 24.2% higher than the national median of $35,960.
Is Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Yes, it offers above-average earnings.The average salary of $44,680 is notably higher than the national average. Coupled with a strong concentration of these jobs (LQ of 1.64), it presents a favorable market for food preparation professionals.
Is Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest 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 Northwest Colorado is $44,680, which is significantly higher than the national average of $35,960.
What is the Cost of Living in Northwest Colorado?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Colorado is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means your earnings will have the same purchasing power as they would nationally.
How concentrated are Food Preparation jobs in this area?
The Location Quotient of 1.64 indicates that these jobs are 64% more concentrated in Northwest Colorado than the national average, suggesting higher demand relative to the workforce.
What is the total workforce size for these roles locally?
There are approximately 19,200 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within the Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 19,200 employees in the Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 145.127 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 Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area