Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Pueblo, CO
Food Preparation Workers in Pueblo, Colorado earn an average annual salary of $36,280, which is notably higher than the national average of $33,810. This localized pay differential is often influenced by a combination of regional economic factors, local demand for specific culinary skills, and the overall cost of doing business within the Pueblo area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,280 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,100.
- Outlook: Pueblo, CO supports a local workforce of 240 Food Preparation Workers. While the Location Quotient of 0.66 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, the presence of 3.81 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand within the local labor market.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Pueblo, CO earns+7.3%above the national average.
$17.4
$698
$3,023
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in Pueblo is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within this sector have seen a modest upward trend over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and inflation adjustments. This growth is typically driven by increased operational costs for businesses and a sustained demand for food services.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Pueblo, CO
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Pueblo, CO, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting a significant earning potential gap between junior and senior roles.
| 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) | $27,210 | $13.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,820 | $17.2 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,350 | $21.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $45,100 | $21.7 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,280
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,280
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,280 in Pueblo, CO, 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 Pueblo is equivalent to the national standard, offering stability without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
3.81
Per 1K Jobs
0.66
Location Quotient
Pueblo, CO has 0.66x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.66, Pueblo, CO, has a slightly lower concentration of Food Preparation Workers relative to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and supported by local demand, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering stable employment opportunities for skilled individuals without intense competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $38,600↑ 6% | 42 mi |
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $42,710↑ 18% | 66 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $41,330↑ 14% | 66 mi |
| Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $36,970↑ 2% | 66 mi |
Comparing salaries near Pueblo, CO
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Pueblo, CO?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Pueblo, CO is $36,280. This typically ranges from $29,990 for entry-level positions to $45,100 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Pueblo, CO is 7.3% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Pueblo, CO a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
Yes, moderately so.Food Preparation Workers in Pueblo earn above the national average salary. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this offers good purchasing power for local workers.
Is Pueblo, CO a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Pueblo, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Pueblo, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($38,600) and Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area.
How does Pueblo's salary for Food Prep Workers compare to the national average?
Food Preparation Workers in Pueblo, CO, earn an average of $36,280 annually, which is $2,470 more than the national average of $33,810.
What is the Cost of Living in Pueblo, CO for Food Preparation Workers?
Pueblo, CO has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means your salary of $36,280 has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many Food Preparation Workers are there in Pueblo, CO?
There are approximately 240 Food Preparation Workers employed in Pueblo, CO, representing 3.81 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Is the job market for Food Preparation Workers strong in Pueblo, CO?
The job market is moderately robust, with a steady presence of jobs (3.81 per 1,000 workers) and a slightly lower concentration (LQ 0.66) than the national average, indicating stable demand without intense competition.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Pueblo, CO area with a job density of 3.81 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 Pueblo, CO