SalaryNode

Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Grand Junction, CO

Food Preparation Workers in Grand Junction, Colorado, earn an average annual salary of $36,390. This figure is notably higher than the national average of $33,810, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a unique demand for these roles contribute to a more favorable compensation landscape in the Grand Junction area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $36,390 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,170.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 300 Food Preparation Workers and a Location Quotient of 0.79, Grand Junction exhibits a slightly below-average concentration of these roles compared to the national standard. While not a major hub for this specific occupation, the presence of 4.542 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit not booming, demand within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$36,390

The average Food Preparation Workers in Grand Junction, CO earns+7.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.5

Weekly

$700

Monthly

$3,033

Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Grand Junction, CO

For Food Preparation Workers in Grand Junction, salary progression typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall 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 in earnings reflect this career trajectory, rewarding accumulated expertise and responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly 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)$27,293$13.1
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$36,140$17.4
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$45,488$21.9
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$44,170$21.2

Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$36,390

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$36,390

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $36,390 in Grand Junction aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in Grand Junction is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the premium often associated with higher-paying, high-cost-of-living areas.

Job Market Context

300

Total Jobs

4.542

Per 1K Jobs

0.79

Location Quotient

Below Average

Grand Junction, CO has 0.79x 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 0.79 indicates that Grand Junction has a slightly lower concentration of Food Preparation Workers relative to the national average. This suggests that while the occupation is present and necessary, it's not a dominant sector within the local job market. Competition might be moderate, with opportunities available but perhaps not as abundant as in areas with a higher LQ.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Grand Junction, CO?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Grand Junction, CO is $36,390. This typically ranges from $29,990 for entry-level positions to $44,170 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Grand Junction, CO is 7.6% higher than the national median of $33,810.

Is Grand Junction, CO a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?

Yes, Grand Junction offers competitive pay for Food Preparation Workers.The average salary of $36,390 is above the national average, and the cost of living is right at the national average, making it a financially sound location for this profession.

Is Grand Junction, CO a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?

The Cost of Living Index in Grand Junction, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does Grand Junction's salary for Food Preparation Workers compare to the national average?

Food Preparation Workers in Grand Junction earn an average of $36,390 annually, which is higher than the national average of $33,810.

What is the Cost of Living in Grand Junction, CO?

The Cost of Living Index in Grand Junction is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.

How concentrated is the Food Preparation Worker job market in Grand Junction?

The Location Quotient for Food Preparation Workers in Grand Junction is 0.79, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.

What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Grand Junction?

There are approximately 300 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Grand Junction, CO area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the Grand Junction, CO area with a job density of 4.542 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Grand Junction, CO