Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Food Preparation Workers in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area earn an average annual salary of $40,560, significantly higher than the national average of $33,810. This elevated pay is often a reflection of the region's specific economic drivers and the demand for skilled culinary support within its vibrant hospitality sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,560 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,230.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 6,300 Food Preparation Workers, Denver-Aurora-Centennial demonstrates a substantial presence in this occupation. The Location Quotient of 0.68 suggests that while the occupation is present, it is slightly less concentrated than the national average, indicating a potentially stable or growing job market with room for new entrants.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earns+20.0%above the national average.
$19.5
$780
$3,380
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is likely driven by increasing demand for food services and a competitive labor market.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers typically correlates with experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles or those with specialized culinary expertise can command significantly higher compensation, with percentile gaps reflecting these advancements.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $33,390 | $16.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $30,420 | $14.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $39,300 | $18.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $50,700 | $24.4 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $48,230 | $23.2 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,560
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,560
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $40,560 in Denver-Aurora-Centennial aligns perfectly with the national 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, suggesting that the increased earnings are offset by the cost of living.
Job Market Context
6,300
Total Jobs
3.891
Per 1K Jobs
0.68
Location Quotient
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO has 0.68x 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 0.68 indicates that Food Preparation Workers are employed in Denver-Aurora-Centennial at a rate that is 32% lower than the national average concentration. This suggests that the job market, while present, may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $43,100↑ 6% | 27 mi |
| Greeley, CO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $39,280↓ 3% | 45 mi |
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $42,710↑ 5% | 54 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $41,330↑ 2% | 54 mi |
| Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $36,970↓ 9% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $40,560. This typically ranges from $33,390 for entry-level positions to $48,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 20.0% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
Yes, but with caveats.Food Preparation Workers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial earn a higher average salary than the national average. However, the local cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the increased pay does not translate to greater purchasing power.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Boulder, CO ($43,100) and Greeley, CO.
How does the Denver-Aurora-Centennial workforce compare to the national average for Food Preparation Workers?
The Denver-Aurora-Centennial area has a workforce of 6,300 Food Preparation Workers. The Location Quotient of 0.68 indicates that this occupation is less concentrated locally compared to the national average.
What is the average hourly wage for a Food Preparation Worker in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Based on an average annual salary of $40,560 and assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the approximate hourly wage for a Food Preparation Worker in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $19.50.
Are there many job openings for Food Preparation Workers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
With 3.891 jobs per 1,000 workers, the occupation is present in the local economy. The Location Quotient of 0.68 suggests moderate demand relative to the national average.
How does experience affect salary for Food Preparation Workers in this region?
Experience is a key factor in salary growth. Entry-level positions will likely offer lower pay, while experienced Food Preparation Workers with specialized skills can command higher salaries, reflecting career progression and increased value to employers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,300 employees in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area with a job density of 3.891 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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO