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.