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

Denver, CO
$63,302
Pop. 715,522
Fort Collins, CO
$59,911
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$59,346
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$56,520
Pop. 478,961

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.