Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO
Food Preparation Workers in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO, earn an average annual salary of $39,510, significantly exceeding the national average of $33,810. This higher compensation is likely influenced by the specific economic conditions and demand within the Fort Collins-Loveland metropolitan area, reflecting local market dynamics rather than a nationwide standard.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,920.
- Outlook: The local workforce for Food Preparation Workers in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO, comprises approximately 680 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.67, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. The rate of 3.867 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent presence of these positions within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO earns+16.9%above the national average.
$19
$760
$3,293
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in Fort Collins-Loveland is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors, inflation, and evolving labor demands typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for roles within the food service industry.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO
The salary trajectory for Food Preparation Workers in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify 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) | $31,030 | $14.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $29,633 | $14.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $38,240 | $18.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $49,388 | $23.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $46,920 | $22.6 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $39,510 in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO, 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 area is equivalent to the national average, indicating that the higher nominal wage effectively offsets the local cost of living without providing a significant surplus or deficit.
Job Market Context
680
Total Jobs
3.867
Per 1K Jobs
0.67
Location Quotient
Fort Collins-Loveland, CO has 0.67x 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 0.67 for Food Preparation Workers in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO, suggests that this occupation is less concentrated in the area compared to the national average. This indicates that while the jobs exist, the market may not be as saturated with these specific roles as in other regions, potentially offering a moderate level of competition for available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greeley, CO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $39,280↓ 1% | 18 mi |
| Boulder, CO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $43,100↑ 9% | 37 mi |
| Cheyenne, WY Food Preparation Workers Salary | $34,130↓ 14% | 43 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $40,560↑ 3% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Collins-Loveland, CO
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO is $39,510. This typically ranges from $31,030 for entry-level positions to $46,920 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO is 16.9% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Fort Collins-Loveland, CO a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
Yes, moderately so.Food Preparation Workers in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO, earn above the national average salary. However, the local cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the increased pay does not translate to significantly higher disposable income compared to the national median.
Is Fort Collins-Loveland, CO a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Collins-Loveland, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greeley, CO ($39,280) and Boulder, CO.
What is the average salary for Food Preparation Workers in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO?
The average annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO is $39,510.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO ($39,510) is higher than the national average salary ($33,810).
What is the cost of living in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO is 100, which is the same as the national average.
How concentrated are Food Preparation Worker jobs in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO?
The concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.67, is below the national average, suggesting a less saturated market compared to the rest of the country.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 680 employees in the Fort Collins-Loveland, CO area with a job density of 3.867 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 Fort Collins-Loveland, CO