Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Food Preparation Workers in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $41,330, significantly exceeding the national average of $33,810. This higher compensation is likely influenced by the unique economic dynamics and potentially lower labor supply within this specific nonmetropolitan region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,330 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $51,120.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Colorado appears stable, with a local workforce of 520 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.84 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a steady demand that aligns with the general workforce size.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earns+22.2%above the national average.
$19.9
$795
$3,444
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 Southwest Colorado have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages driven by inflation and evolving labor market conditions.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, which are often accompanied by higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify these opportunities for advancement, rewarding increased experience, skill, and responsibility within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $30,770 | $14.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $30,998 | $14.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $38,390 | $18.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $51,663 | $24.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $51,120 | $24.6 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,330
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,330
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $41,330 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Colorado can expect their nominal earnings to translate directly to purchasing power equivalent to the national standard. This means the higher salary offers a comparable lifestyle to other regions without the added burden of increased living expenses.
Job Market Context
520
Total Jobs
4.833
Per 1K Jobs
0.84
Location Quotient
Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area has 0.84x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.84 indicates that Food Preparation Worker roles are slightly less concentrated in Southwest Colorado compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, it is not disproportionately dominant, implying a balanced job market where demand is met by the available workforce without significant oversupply or undersupply.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $38,600↓ 7% | 32 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $40,560↓ 2% | 54 mi |
| Pueblo, CO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $36,280↓ 12% | 66 mi |
| Boulder, CO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $43,100↑ 4% | 67 mi |
| Greeley, CO Food Preparation Workers Salary | $39,280↓ 5% | 98 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is $41,330. This typically ranges from $30,770 for entry-level positions to $51,120 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 22.2% higher than the national median of $33,810.
Is Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Food Preparation Workers in this region earn approximately $7,500 more annually than the national average. This higher pay is balanced by a cost of living that is on par with the national average.
Is Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($38,600) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
How does the local workforce size affect job availability?
A local workforce of 520 suggests a moderate pool of potential candidates. While not a massive workforce, it indicates a stable presence of Food Preparation Workers, supporting consistent job opportunities.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.84 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.84, signifies that Food Preparation Worker jobs are slightly less common per capita in Southwest Colorado than the national average. This could mean less competition but also potentially fewer openings compared to more concentrated areas.
How does the cost of living impact the $41,330 salary?
A Cost of Living Index of 100 means that the $41,330 salary in Southwest Colorado has the same purchasing power as the national average salary of $33,810 in a region with a national average cost of living.
Are there many Food Preparation Worker jobs in this area?
With 4.833 jobs per 1,000 workers, the presence of Food Preparation Workers is noticeable. While not exceptionally high, it indicates a steady demand for these services within the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 520 employees in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.833 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 Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area