Creative & Education Colorado (CO) Rank #11 of 50

Chef Salary in Colorado

The median chef salary in Colorado is $59,346 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $56,520.

Median Salary
$59,346
vs National
+$2,826
State Rank
#11 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Chef Salary in Colorado by Experience

In Colorado, an entry-level chef earns around $36,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,400 per year. The cost of living index in Colorado is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,750
+$1,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,800
+$2,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,400
+$4,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Colorado

Percentile CO Salary
10th Percentile $34,860
25th Percentile $44,310
Median (50th) $59,346
75th Percentile $78,750
90th Percentile $102,690

Major Cities for Chefs in Colorado

The largest employment areas for chefs in Colorado include Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins. Salaries in major metro areas may be higher due to increased demand and cost of living.

Denver, CO
Metro area for chef employment
Colorado Springs, CO
Metro area for chef employment
Aurora, CO
Metro area for chef employment
Fort Collins, CO
Metro area for chef employment
Boulder, CO
Metro area for chef employment

How to Become a Chef in Colorado

Education

Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Colorado has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity

Job Outlook in Colorado

Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Colorado's demand may vary based on local industry trends.