Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Food Preparation Workers in the Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $42,710. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $33,810, indicating a localized premium for these essential roles. The unique economic landscape and demand dynamics within this specific region likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,160.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 690 Food Preparation Workers and a Location Quotient of 0.9, the job market in Northwest Colorado demonstrates a stable, albeit slightly below national average, concentration of these positions. The density of jobs per 1,000 workers at 5.215 suggests a consistent presence and demand for food preparation services within the region's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earns+26.3%above the national average.
$20.5
$821
$3,559
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 Northwest Colorado have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typical as demand for services remains steady and the cost of living potentially adjusts.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Colorado typically correlates with increased salary. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while extensive experience, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher earnings, reflecting the typical percentile gaps seen in salary distributions.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $30,840 | $14.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $32,033 | $15.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $40,220 | $19.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $53,388 | $25.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $56,160 | $27 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,710
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $42,710 in Northwest 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 stable financial standing without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
690
Total Jobs
5.215
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area has 0.90x 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 0.9 suggests that Food Preparation Worker roles are present in Northwest Colorado at a rate very close to the national average. While not a significantly concentrated market, this indicates a healthy and consistent demand for these professionals, ensuring a steady availability of opportunities without overwhelming competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $38,600↓ 10% | 32 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $40,560↓ 5% | 54 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $36,280↓ 15% | 66 mi |
| Boulder, CO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $43,100↑ 1% | 67 mi |
| Greeley, CO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $39,280↓ 8% | 98 mi |
Comparing salaries near Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is $42,710. This typically ranges from $30,840 for entry-level positions to $56,160 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 26.3% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
Yes, it offers a higher-than-average salary.Food Preparation Workers in this region earn approximately $8,800 more annually than the national average. Combined with a cost of living index matching the national average, this makes the area financially advantageous.
Is Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Northwest 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 Northwest Colorado is $42,710, which is notably higher than the national average of $33,810.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in this area?
The Location Quotient is 0.9, indicating that the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in Northwest Colorado is slightly below the national average, suggesting a balanced job market.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the same as the national average, the higher salary in Northwest Colorado translates directly into greater purchasing power for its residents.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in the area?
There are approximately 690 Food Preparation Workers employed in the Northwest 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 690 employees in the Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.215 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 Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations Salary in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area