Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Food Preparation Workers in the Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $36,970. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $33,810, suggesting that localized demand or specific regional economic factors contribute to a more favorable compensation structure in this area. The unique economic landscape of this region plays a significant role in shaping the pay for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,970 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,880.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 340 individuals and a concentration quotient of 0.85, the job market for Food Preparation Workers in Eastern and Southern Colorado indicates a stable, though not exceptionally concentrated, demand. The presence of nearly 5 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests consistent employment opportunities, reflecting a steady need for these professionals within the region's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area earns+9.3%above the national average.
$17.8
$711
$3,081
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 this region have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic shifts and inflation typically drive incremental increases in wages for service-oriented roles, ensuring that compensation remains competitive within the local market.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Food Preparation Workers typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles or those with specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in compensation clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as workers gain expertise and take on greater responsibilities.
| 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) | $27,728 | $13.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $33,460 | $16.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $46,213 | $22.2 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $47,880 | $23 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,970
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,970
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,970 in Eastern and Southern Colorado aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without the added financial strain of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
340
Total Jobs
4.893
Per 1K Jobs
0.85
Location Quotient
Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area has 0.85x 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 0.85 suggests that Food Preparation Workers are slightly less concentrated in Eastern and Southern Colorado compared to the national average. This indicates a moderately competitive job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $38,600↑ 4% | 32 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $40,560↑ 10% | 54 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $36,280↓ 2% | 66 mi |
| Boulder, CO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $43,100↑ 17% | 67 mi |
| Greeley, CO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $39,280↑ 6% | 98 mi |
Comparing salaries near Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area is $36,970. This typically ranges from $29,990 for entry-level positions to $47,880 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 9.3% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to the cost of living.Food Preparation Workers in this region earn above the national average salary. Coupled with a national average cost of living, this makes the area financially advantageous for these roles.
Is Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
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 ($38,600) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Eastern and Southern Colorado is $36,970, which is higher than the national average of $33,810.
What is the job concentration for Food Preparation Workers in this area?
The job concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.85, indicating slightly lower concentration than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The cost of living in Eastern and Southern Colorado is at the national average (100), meaning the $36,970 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in this region?
There are approximately 340 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Eastern and Southern 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 340 employees in the Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.893 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Food Preparation Workers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area