Creative & Education Fort Collins, CO Pop. 169,810

Chef Salary in Fort Collins, Colorado

The median chef salary in Fort Collins, CO is $59,911 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median and 1.0% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$59,911
vs State Avg
+$565
vs National
+$3,391
Cost of Living
106%

Chef Salary in Fort Collins by Experience

In Fort Collins, an entry-level chef earns around $37,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $93,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,100
+$2,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,360
+$3,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$93,280
+$5,280 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Collins, CO

Percentile Fort Collins
10th Percentile $35,192
25th Percentile $44,732
Median (50th) $59,911
75th Percentile $79,500
90th Percentile $103,668

Chef Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$72,346
Pop. 105,673
Denver, CO
$63,302
Pop. 715,522
Aurora, CO
$59,346
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$56,520
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Chef in Fort Collins

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Fort Collins

Browse open chef positions in Fort Collins, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Fort Collins

How much does a Chef make in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
The median chef salary in Fort Collins, Colorado is $59,911 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $35,192 (10th percentile) to $103,668 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Fort Collins? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,911, a chef in Fort Collins earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Collins compare to the Colorado state average for chef pay? ▼
Fort Collins's median chef salary of $59,911 is 1.0% above the Colorado state average of $59,346. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
Fort Collins has a cost of living index of 106% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $59,911 in Fort Collins has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Fort Collins? ▼
Most chef positions in Fort Collins 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.