Creative & Education Colorado Springs, CO Pop. 478,961

Chef Salary in Colorado Springs, Colorado

The median chef salary in Colorado Springs, CO is $56,520 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 4.8% below the Colorado state average.

City Median
$56,520
vs State Avg
$-2,826
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Chef Pay in Colorado Springs: What to Expect (2026)

Colorado Springs offers a median chef salary of $56,520, which is $2,826 below the Colorado state average of $59,346. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Colorado Springs pays above average for this role.

Colorado Springs's cost of living is 100% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for chefs in Colorado Springs spans from $33,200 at the 10th percentile to $97,800 at the 90th percentile — a $64,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,000, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,000. With a population of 478,961, Colorado Springs is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chef Salary in Colorado Springs by Experience

In Colorado Springs, an entry-level chef earns around $35,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Colorado Springs, CO

Percentile Colorado Springs
10th Percentile $33,200
25th Percentile $42,200
Median (50th) $56,520
75th Percentile $75,000
90th Percentile $97,800

Chef Salary in Other Colorado Cities

How to Become a Chef in Colorado Springs

Education

Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chef Jobs in Colorado Springs

Browse open chef positions in Colorado Springs, CO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Colorado Springs

How much does a Chef make in Colorado Springs, CO? ▼
The median chef salary in Colorado Springs, Colorado is $56,520 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $33,200 (10th percentile) to $97,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Colorado Springs? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,520, a chef in Colorado Springs earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Colorado Springs compare to the Colorado state average for chef pay? ▼
Colorado Springs's median chef salary of $56,520 is 4.8% below the Colorado state average of $59,346. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Colorado Springs, CO? ▼
Colorado Springs has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $56,520 in Colorado Springs has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Colorado Springs? ▼
Most chef positions in Colorado Springs 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.