Restaurant Cook Salary in Colorado
Based on 31K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$41,600
$20.00/hr
vs National Average
$37,684
+10.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$35K – $50K
31K employed in Colorado
The median salary for a Restaurant Cook in Colorado is $41,600 per year, which equates to about $20 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national average, showing a 10.4% increase. Currently, there are approximately 30,600 individuals employed in this role across the state.
Several factors can influence the Restaurant Cook salary in Colorado. These include the specific location within the state, the type and size of the restaurant, and the cook's level of experience and specialized skills. While the typical salary range is between $34,590 and $49,650, individual earnings can vary based on these determinants.
Salary Distribution — Restaurant Cook in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $34,590 |
| 25th percentile | $36,930 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $41,600 |
| 75th percentile | $45,740 |
| 90th percentile | $49,650 |
Top-Paying Industries for Restaurant Cook (U.S.)
Which industries pay Restaurant Cooks the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Restaurant Cooks in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $60,270 | — |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $48,880 | 420 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $44,570 | 610 |
| Construction | $42,890 | 100 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $41,090 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Restaurant Cook in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $41,600 |
| 2026 (projected) | $42,848 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $41,600 | $37,684 |
| 2026 (projected) | $42,848 | $38,815 |
Restaurant Cook Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $36,930 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $41,600 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $45,740 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $49,650 |
Restaurant Cook Salary in Other States
Related Restaurant Cook Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Restaurant Cook ($41,600 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Restaurant Cook | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waiter and Waitress in CO | $44,860 | +7.8% | $21.57/hr |
| Fast Food and Counter Worker in CO | $36,270 | -12.8% | $17.44/hr |
| Receptionist in CO | $42,010 | +1.0% | $20.20/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in CO | $42,350 | +1.8% | $20.36/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in CO | $38,540 | -7.4% | $18.53/hr |
| Tutor in CO | $44,710 | +7.5% | $21.50/hr |
| Security Guard in CO | $45,150 | +8.5% | $21.71/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in CO | $37,950 | -8.8% | $18.25/hr |
| Cashier in CO | $36,870 | -11.4% | $17.73/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in CO | $47,380 | +13.9% | $22.78/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in CO | $47,540 | +14.3% | $22.86/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in CO | $47,840 | +15.0% | $23.00/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Restaurant Cook in Colorado?
- The salary range for a Restaurant Cook in Colorado generally falls between $34,590 and $49,650 per year. This means that while some cooks earn less, a significant portion of professionals in this field can expect to make within this bracket.
How does the median Restaurant Cook salary in Colorado compare to the national average?
- The median Restaurant Cook salary in Colorado is 10.4% higher than the national average. With a median annual pay of $41,600, Colorado offers a more competitive compensation for cooks compared to the rest of the country.
What is the hourly rate for a Restaurant Cook in Colorado?
- The median hourly wage for a Restaurant Cook in Colorado is approximately $20 per hour. This is derived from the annual median salary of $41,600, providing a useful benchmark for hourly earnings.
How many Restaurant Cooks are employed in Colorado?
- There are an estimated 30,600 Restaurant Cooks currently employed in Colorado. This indicates a substantial job market for this profession within the state.