In the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations earn an average annual salary of $41,960. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $35,960, indicating a localized premium for these essential roles. The unique economic landscape and demand within this region likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,960 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 43.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,190.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 12,590 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations, and a Location Quotient of 1.32, this sector demonstrates a robust presence in Southwest Colorado. The concentration exceeding the national average suggests a strong and potentially growing demand for these services, signaling a healthy job market for culinary and service professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earns+16.7%above the national average.
$20.2
$807
$3,497
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 Southwest Colorado have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for services, and evolving wage expectations likely contribute to a positive trajectory for compensation in this field.
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary Distribution in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Career progression within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southwest Colorado typically leads to increased earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, while experienced chefs, managers, and specialized roles command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased compensation based on skill, experience, and responsibility.
| 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) | $31,470 | $15.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,030 | $17.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $52,450 | $25.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $61,190 | $29.4 |
Detailed Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,960
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,960
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $41,960 in Southwest Colorado aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average, making relocation financially neutral in terms of everyday expenses. Residents can expect their earnings to cover standard living costs without significant strain compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
12,590
Total Jobs
116.365
Per 1K Jobs
1.32
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.32, Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.32 for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southwest Colorado indicates a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market is relatively abundant with opportunities in this sector, and employers may need to offer competitive wages to attract and retain talent, reflecting a healthy demand relative to the national landscape.
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↑ 2% | 54 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary | $38,430↓ 8% | 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 Southwest 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 Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is $41,960. This typically ranges from $29,990 for entry-level positions to $61,190 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 16.7% higher than the national median of $35,960.
Is Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupationss?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.The average salary of $41,960 is notably higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, providing strong purchasing power.
Is Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($40,060) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Southwest Colorado is $41,960, which is approximately $6,000 higher than the national average of $35,960.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.32?
An LQ of 1.32 means that Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations are 32% more concentrated in Southwest Colorado than the national average, indicating a stronger local presence and demand for these roles.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary?
No, the cost of living in Southwest Colorado is at the national average (100), meaning the $41,960 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many people work in food preparation in this region?
There are 12,590 individuals employed in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations within the Southwest 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 12,590 employees in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 116.365 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 Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area