Creative & Education Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Chef Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median chef salary in Denver, CO is $63,302 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 6.7% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$63,302
vs State Avg
+$3,956
vs National
+$6,782
Cost of Living
112%

Chef Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level chef earns around $39,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,200
+$4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,720
+$6,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$98,560
+$10,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $37,184
25th Percentile $47,264
Median (50th) $63,302
75th Percentile $84,000
90th Percentile $109,536

Chef Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$72,346
Pop. 105,673
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 Denver

Education

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