Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Colorado Springs, CO
Food Preparation Workers in Colorado Springs, CO, earn an average annual salary of $38,600, significantly exceeding the national average of $33,810. This higher compensation is often influenced by local economic factors and the specific demands of the Colorado Springs market, reflecting a potentially stronger demand for these essential roles within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,600 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,650.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,060 Food Preparation Workers, Colorado Springs presents a moderate employment landscape for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.58 indicates that this role is less concentrated here compared to the national average, suggesting that while the absolute number of jobs is substantial, the relative demand might be slightly lower than in other areas. However, the presence of over a thousand workers points to a stable, ongoing need for these services.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Colorado Springs, CO earns+14.2%above the national average.
$18.6
$742
$3,217
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in Colorado Springs is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries in this sector have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for food services, and evolving labor market dynamics likely contribute to a gradual upward trajectory in average earnings for these roles.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Colorado Springs, CO
The salary range for Food Preparation Workers in Colorado Springs can vary considerably based on experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps between entry-level and senior roles highlight clear opportunities for career progression and increased earning potential within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $30,460 | $14.6 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $28,950 | $13.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $37,630 | $18.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $48,250 | $23.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,650 | $22.9 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,600
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,600
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $38,600 for Food Preparation Workers in Colorado Springs aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary earned by these workers holds its purchasing power directly in line with the rest of the country, offering a stable financial footing without the immediate pressure of a significantly higher or lower cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,060
Total Jobs
3.336
Per 1K Jobs
0.58
Location Quotient
Colorado Springs, CO has 0.58x the national average concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.58 for Food Preparation Workers in Colorado Springs suggests that the job market for this role is less concentrated than the national average. This implies that while there is a steady demand, the field may not be oversaturated, potentially offering a competitive environment for skilled individuals. Employers might need to actively recruit to fill positions, which could translate to better negotiation power for experienced candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $42,710↑ 11% | 32 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $41,330↑ 7% | 32 mi |
| Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $36,970↓ 4% | 32 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $36,280↓ 6% | 42 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $40,560↑ 5% | 62 mi |
Comparing salaries near Colorado Springs, CO
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Colorado Springs, CO?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Colorado Springs, CO is $38,600. This typically ranges from $30,460 for entry-level positions to $47,650 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Colorado Springs, CO is 14.2% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Colorado Springs, CO a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
Yes, it is more lucrative than the national average.Food Preparation Workers in Colorado Springs earn approximately $4,790 more annually than their national counterparts. This higher average salary, combined with a cost of living that matches the national average, makes the city a financially favorable location for these professionals.
Is Colorado Springs, CO a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado Springs, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado Springs, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area ($42,710) and Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area.
How does the average salary for Food Preparation Workers in Colorado Springs compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Colorado Springs is $38,600, which is notably higher than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living Index in Colorado Springs, CO?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado Springs, CO is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Colorado Springs, CO?
There are approximately 1,060 Food Preparation Workers employed in Colorado Springs, CO.
Does experience impact salary for Food Preparation Workers in Colorado Springs?
Yes, experience significantly impacts salary. Entry-level positions offer lower pay, while senior roles with extensive experience command higher compensation, with percentile gaps indicating clear career progression.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,060 employees in the Colorado Springs, CO area with a job density of 3.336 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 Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Colorado Springs, CO