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Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Colorado
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make in Colorado?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$65,400
Median Annual Salary
▲
+2.2% vs 2024
$70,320
Mean Salary
$65,400
Median Salary
$31.44
Hourly Rate
3,970 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Colorado
Chefs and Head Cooks salary by percentile in Colorado
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Chefs and Head Cooks in Colorado earn a median salary of $65,400 per year ($5,450/month).
This is 5.5% above the national average of $61,962.
Colorado ranks #14 out of 51 states for Chefs and Head Cooks pay.
Approximately 3,970 people work in this occupation across Colorado.
Salaries increased by 2.2% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Chefs and Head Cooks
Direct and may participate in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. May plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts.
Top Skills
Coordination
4.0
Speaking
3.88
Monitoring
3.88
Time Management
3.88
Active Listening
3.75
Key Knowledge Areas
Food Production
4.69
Customer and Personal Service
4.14
Production and Processing
4.04
Administration and Management
4.03
Personnel and Human Resources
3.96
Typical Education: Associate's Degree
(51.7% of workers)
Salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in Colorado range from $46,330 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $93,270 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $58,220 and $79,420.
Median $65,400
P10: $46,330P25: $58,220P75: $79,420P90: $93,270
10th
$46,330
25th
$58,220
Median
$65,400
75th
$79,420
90th
$93,270
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$46,330
$22.27
$3,860
25th Percentile
$58,220
$27.99
$4,851
Median (50th)
$65,400
$31.44
$5,450
75th Percentile
$79,420
$38.18
$6,618
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$93,270
$44.84
$7,772
Note: The mean (average) salary of $70,320 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make in Colorado?
The median annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Colorado is $65,400 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $70,320.
What is the salary range for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Colorado?
Salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in Colorado range from $46,330 at the 10th percentile to $93,270 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $58,220 and $79,420.
What is the starting salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Colorado?
Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks positions in Colorado typically start around $46,330 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $58,220 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Colorado?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 3,970 people are employed as Chefs and Head Cooks in Colorado.
What is the hourly rate for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Colorado?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Colorado is approximately $31.44 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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