Creative & Education Boulder, CO
Pop. 105,673
Chef Salary in Boulder, Colorado
The median chef salary in Boulder, CO is $72,346 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 21.9% above the Colorado state average.
City Median
$72,346
vs State Avg
+$13,000
vs National
+$15,826
Cost of Living
128%
Chef Salary in Boulder by Experience
In Boulder, an entry-level chef earns around $44,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,800
+$9,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,680
+$15,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$112,640
+$24,640 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO
| Percentile | Boulder |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $42,496 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,016 |
| Median (50th) | $72,346 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $125,184 |
Chef Salary in Other Colorado Cities
How to Become a Chef in Boulder
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Boulder and the surrounding Colorado area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity
Job Outlook
Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Boulder may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Boulder
Browse open chef positions in Boulder, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Boulder
How much does a Chef make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median chef salary in Boulder, Colorado is $72,346 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $42,496 (10th percentile) to $125,184 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,346, a chef in Boulder earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for chef pay? ▼
Boulder's median chef salary of $72,346 is 21.9% above the Colorado state average of $59,346. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO? ▼
Boulder has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $72,346 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Boulder? ▼
Most chef positions in Boulder require a high school diploma. Key skills include Culinary Arts, Menu Planning, Food Safety, Kitchen Management. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.