What are the main factors that influence a Chef and Head Cook's salary?

The primary factors are: 1) Experience Level, 2) Geographic Location, 3) Education/Skills, 4) Company Size & Industry

What industry pays the highest salary for Chef and Head Cook?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Chef and Head Cook roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

How does experience change A Chef and Head Cook's salary?

A Chef and Head Cook's salary grows with experience: starting around $35,489 for beginners, reaching about $36,847 at mid-level, and approach $37,164 for experts.

What are the highest paying states for a Chef and Head Cook?

Chef and Head Cook salary varies significantly by state. The top 3 highest paying states for Chef and Head Cook roles are District of Columbia $39,684, California $39,533, Massachusetts $39,006. These tech hubs typically pay 10-15% above the national average.

How much do different types of Chef and Head Cook roles make?

Salaries for Chef and Head Cook level roles vary by specialization: Head Chef: $87,300; Head Sushi Chef: $87,248; Executive Chef: $87,215; Head Pastry Chef: $58,640; Cook III: $42,451.

Chef and Head Cook Salary in Colorado

How much does a Chef and Head Cook make in Colorado? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chef and Head Cook in Colorado is $36,569 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.

However, a Chef and Head Cook's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

Top Earners (90th percentile): $42,025
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $33,993 to $39,425
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $31,647

10% $31,647

50% (Median) $36,569

90% $42,025

Chef and Head Cook Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$39,425	$3,285	$758	$19
Average	$36,569	$3,047	$703	$18
25th Percentile	$33,993	$2,833	$654	$16

Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

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Key Factors That Influence Chef and Head Cook Salaries

A Chef and Head Cook's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Chef and Head Cook Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Chef and Head Cook's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $35,489
Early Career (1-2 years): $35,974
Mid-Level (2-4 years): $36,847
Senior-Level (5-8 years): $36,966
Expert (over 8 years): $37,164

Job Role	Years of Experience	Average Salary
Entry Level Chef and Head Cook	less than 1 year	$35,489
Early Career Level Chef and Head Cook	1-2 years	$35,974
Mid-Level Level Chef and Head Cook	2-4 years	$36,847
Senior-Level Level Chef and Head Cook	5-8 years	$36,966
Expert Level Chef and Head Cook	over 8 years	$37,164

How Do Chef and Head Cook Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Chef and Head Cooks. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

District of Columbia: $39,684.
California: $39,533.
Massachusetts: $39,006.

District of Columbia $39,684 California $39,533 Massachusetts $39,006 Washington $38,863 New Jersey $38,848 Alaska $38,798 Connecticut $38,304 New York $38,103

Hawaii $37,461 Rhode Island $37,160 Maryland $36,956 Minnesota $36,677 Colorado $36,569 Illinois $36,533 Oregon $36,397 Delaware $36,297

New Hampshire $36,234 Virginia $36,092 Pennsylvania $35,680 Nevada $35,472 North Dakota $35,404 Michigan $35,297 Wisconsin $35,257 Vermont $35,178

Texas $34,960 Maine $34,945 Arizona $34,924 Ohio $34,899 Georgia $34,569 Indiana $34,404 Wyoming $34,372 Utah $34,322

Iowa $34,300 Kansas $34,128 Louisiana $34,078 North Carolina $34,060 Missouri $34,053 Florida $33,913 Montana $33,838 Nebraska $33,766

Kentucky $33,727 South Carolina $33,583 Tennessee $33,494 Idaho $33,458 New Mexico $33,196 Oklahoma $33,139 Alabama $32,927 South Dakota $32,573

Arkansas $32,379 West Virginia $32,275 Mississippi $31,963

Top Paying Cities for Chef and Head Cook

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

Glen Haven: $35,853
Hygiene: $37,099
Johnstown: $35,933

Glen Haven, CO $35,853

Hygiene, CO $37,099

Johnstown, CO $35,933

Laporte, CO $35,535

Livermore, CO $35,419

Loveland, CO $35,821

Lyons, CO $37,034

Masonville, CO $35,557

Mead, CO $36,341

Milliken, CO $35,883

Niwot, CO $37,390

Red Feather Lakes, CO $35,517

Severance, CO $35,585

Timnath, CO $35,540

Wellington, CO $35,341

Windsor, CO $35,591

Brighton, CO $36,473

Ault, CO $35,523

Briggsdale, CO $35,533

Carr, CO $34,922

Eastlake, CO $36,568

Eaton, CO $35,635

Evans, CO $35,817

Fort Lupton, CO $36,369

Galeton, CO $35,639

Gilcrest, CO $36,012

Gill, CO $35,697

Greeley, CO $35,728

Henderson, CO $36,530

Hudson, CO $36,249

Keenesburg, CO $36,074

Kersey, CO $35,702

La Salle, CO $35,950

Lucerne, CO $35,690

Nunn, CO $35,410

Orchard, CO $35,529

Pierce, CO $35,546

Ohio City, CO $35,911

Parlin, CO $35,742

Penrose, CO $35,430

Pitkin, CO $35,867

Poncha Springs, CO $35,624

Powderhorn, CO $35,668

Rockvale, CO $35,269

Sargents, CO $35,564

Twin Lakes, CO $36,738

Westcliffe, CO $35,289

Wetmore, CO $35,062

Durango, CO $35,768

Cahone, CO $35,680

Cortez, CO $35,653

Dolores, CO $35,738

Dove Creek, CO $35,644

Egnar, CO $35,664

Hesperus, CO $35,455

Lewis, CO $35,743

Mancos, CO $35,652

Marvel, CO $35,454

Mesa Verde National Park, CO $35,468

Pleasant View, CO $35,577

Rico, CO $35,746

Towaoc, CO $35,504

Yellow Jacket, CO $35,700

Montrose, CO $35,880

Austin, CO $35,927

Bedrock, CO $35,655

Cedaredge, CO $35,963

Cory, CO $35,918

Crawford, CO $35,816

Delta, CO $35,879

Eckert, CO $35,936

Hotchkiss, CO $35,913

Lazear, CO $35,887

Naturita, CO $35,727

Norwood, CO $35,741

Nucla, CO $35,782

Olathe, CO $35,840

Ophir, CO $35,780

Ouray, CO $35,774

Paonia, CO $36,078

Paradox, CO $35,675

Placerville, CO $35,747

Redvale, CO $35,758

Ridgway, CO $35,769

Silverton, CO $35,709

Somerset, CO $36,188

Telluride, CO $35,787

Grand Junction, CO $36,101

Platteville, CO $36,092

Roggen, CO $35,720

Weldona, CO $35,444

Wiggins, CO $35,634

Fort Morgan, CO $35,459

Log Lane Village, CO $35,575

Akron, CO $35,202

Amherst, CO $35,089

Atwood, CO $35,325

Brush, CO $35,322

Crook, CO $35,225

Eckley, CO $35,113

Fleming, CO $35,292

Grover, CO $35,264

Haxtun, CO $35,285

Hereford, CO $35,039

Hillrose, CO $35,357

Holyoke, CO $35,178

Idalia, CO $35,002

Iliff, CO $35,317

Julesburg, CO $35,175

Lindon, CO $35,051

Merino, CO $35,356

New Raymer, CO $35,348

Otis, CO $35,233

Ovid, CO $35,187

Padroni, CO $35,227

Paoli, CO $35,285

Peetz, CO $35,218

Sedgwick, CO $35,200

Snyder, CO $35,329

Sterling, CO $35,385

Stoneham, CO $35,350

Vernon, CO $35,035

Woodrow, CO $35,124

Wray, CO $35,105

Yuma, CO $35,222

Anton, CO $35,060

Arapahoe, CO $34,783

Arriba, CO $34,910

Bethune, CO $34,961

Burlington, CO $34,929

Calhan, CO $35,481

Cascade, CO $35,773

Cheyenne Wells, CO $34,834

Cope, CO $35,043

Cripple Creek, CO $35,706

Divide, CO $35,725

Flagler, CO $34,945

Florissant, CO $35,696

Fountain, CO $35,478

Genoa, CO $34,933

Green Mountain Falls, CO $35,764

Guffey, CO $35,657

Hugo, CO $34,719

Joes, CO $35,078

Karval, CO $34,518

Kirk, CO $35,049

Kit Carson, CO $34,791

Limon, CO $35,144

Lake George, CO $35,749

Manitou Springs, CO $35,773

Matheson, CO $35,118

Peyton, CO $35,649

Ramah, CO $34,891

Rush, CO $34,974

Seibert, CO $34,931

Simla, CO $35,278

Stratton, CO $34,965

U S A F Academy, CO $35,771

Victor, CO $35,689

Vona, CO $34,951

Wild Horse, CO $34,724

Woodland Park, CO $35,744

Yoder, CO $35,109

Colorado Springs, CO $35,773

Clifton, CO $36,078

Fruita, CO $35,989

Gateway, CO $35,735

Glade Park, CO $35,859

Loma, CO $36,002

Mack, CO $35,906

Palisade, CO $36,013

Whitewater, CO $35,856

Glenwood Springs, CO $36,449

Dinosaur, CO $35,847

Aspen, CO $37,132

Snowmass Village, CO $37,130

Avon, CO $36,797

Basalt, CO $37,013

Carbondale, CO $36,876

Collbran, CO $35,978

Craig, CO $36,242

De Beque, CO $35,973

Eagle, CO $36,646

Edwards, CO $36,725

Parachute, CO $36,161

Battlement Mesa, CO $36,127

Gypsum, CO $36,464

Hamilton, CO $36,396

Hayden, CO $36,293

Maybell, CO $35,892

Meeker, CO $36,399

Meredith, CO $36,892

Mesa, CO $35,960

Minturn, CO $36,685

Molina, CO $35,939

New Castle, CO $36,323

Rangely, CO $35,993

Red Cliff, CO $36,680

Rifle, CO $36,233

Silt, CO $36,218

Slater, CO $36,069

Snowmass, CO $37,056

Wolcott, CO $36,668

Woody Creek, CO $37,129

Vail, CO $36,842

Pueblo, CO $34,687

Colorado City, CO $34,925

Aguilar, CO $35,077

Arlington, CO $34,459

Avondale, CO $34,780

Beulah, CO $34,927

Boncarbo, CO $35,094

Boone, CO $34,893

Branson, CO $34,807

Campo, CO $34,678

Cheraw, CO $34,745

Crowley, CO $34,819

Eads, CO $34,769

Fort Lyon, CO $34,731

Fowler, CO $34,831

Gardner, CO $35,172

Granada, CO $34,848

Hartman, CO $34,914

Hasty, CO $34,807

Haswell, CO $34,602

Hoehne, CO $35,037

Holly, CO $34,804

Kim, CO $34,771

La Junta, CO $34,794

Lamar, CO $34,900

Las Animas, CO $34,774

La Veta, CO $35,233

Mc Clave, CO $34,813

Manzanola, CO $34,767

Model, CO $34,820

Olney Springs, CO $34,707

Ordway, CO $34,535

Pritchett, CO $34,773

Rocky Ford, CO $34,717

Rye, CO $34,978

Sheridan Lake, CO $34,783

Springfield, CO $34,844

Sugar City, CO $34,442

Swink, CO $34,759

Trinchera, CO $34,887

Trinidad, CO $35,039

Two Buttes, CO $34,843

Vilas, CO $34,837

Walsenburg, CO $35,047

Walsh, CO $34,801

Weston, CO $35,160

Wiley, CO $34,781

Alamosa, CO $35,501

Antonito, CO $35,478

Arboles, CO $35,550

Arvada, CO $36,569

Aurora, CO $36,544

Bayfield, CO $35,650

Broomfield, CO $36,730

Commerce City, CO $36,483

Dupont, CO $36,553

Eldorado Springs, CO $37,423

Lafayette, CO $37,092

Louisville, CO $37,137

Westminster, CO $36,552

Wheat Ridge, CO $36,551

Agate, CO $35,256

Bennett, CO $36,172

Byers, CO $35,740

Castle Rock, CO $35,899

Deer Trail, CO $35,504

Elbert, CO $35,672

Elizabeth, CO $35,973

Englewood, CO $36,544

Franktown, CO $35,875

Kiowa, CO $35,714

Larkspur, CO $35,782

Littleton, CO $36,508

Lone Tree, CO $36,412

Louviers, CO $36,361

Monument, CO $35,747

Palmer Lake, CO $35,751

Parker, CO $36,278

Sedalia, CO $35,917

Strasburg, CO $36,057

Watkins, CO $36,328

Denver, CO $36,540

Thornton, CO $36,569

Boulder, CO $37,604

Golden, CO $36,548

Alma, CO $36,342

Bailey, CO $36,260

Black Hawk, CO $36,913

Bond, CO $36,665

Breckenridge, CO $36,420

Buffalo Creek, CO $36,134

Burns, CO $36,429

Central City, CO $36,706

Clark, CO $36,084

Climax, CO $36,462

Coalmont, CO $36,022

Como, CO $35,899

Conifer, CO $36,354

Cowdrey, CO $35,876

Dillon, CO $36,398

Dumont, CO $36,575

Evergreen, CO $36,484

Empire, CO $36,408

Fairplay, CO $35,932

Fraser, CO $36,449

Frisco, CO $36,623

Georgetown, CO $36,380

Granby, CO $36,352

Grand Lake, CO $36,332

Grant, CO $36,073

Hartsel, CO $35,741

Hot Sulphur Springs, CO $36,303

Idaho Springs, CO $36,513

Idledale, CO $36,510

Indian Hills, CO $36,492

Jamestown, CO $37,544

Jefferson, CO $35,998

Kittredge, CO $36,495

Kremmling, CO $36,299

Leadville, CO $36,417

Mc Coy, CO $36,423

Morrison, CO $36,484

Nederland, CO $37,202

Oak Creek, CO $36,359

Parshall, CO $36,515

Phippsburg, CO $36,394

Pine, CO $36,178

Pinecliffe, CO $37,377

Rand, CO $36,024

Rollinsville, CO $37,028

Shawnee, CO $36,169

Silver Plume, CO $36,226

Steamboat Springs, CO $36,291

Tabernash, CO $36,534

Toponas, CO $36,381

Walden, CO $35,970

Ward, CO $37,104

Winter Park, CO $36,581

Yampa, CO $36,430

Silverthorne, CO $36,592

Longmont, CO $36,954

Allenspark, CO $36,787

Estes Park, CO $36,234

Bellvue, CO $35,770

Berthoud, CO $36,209

Dacono, CO $36,631

Drake, CO $35,783

Erie, CO $36,795

Firestone, CO $36,540

Fort Collins, CO $35,515

Frederick, CO $36,541

Blanca, CO $35,375

Capulin, CO $35,556

Center, CO $35,527

Chama, CO $35,254

Chimney Rock, CO $35,565

Chromo, CO $35,326

Conejos, CO $35,456

Creede, CO $35,642

Crestone, CO $35,391

Del Norte, CO $35,565

Fort Garland, CO $35,295

San Luis, CO $35,152

Homelake, CO $35,531

Hooper, CO $35,413

Ignacio, CO $35,496

Jaroso, CO $35,229

La Jara, CO $35,513

Manassa, CO $35,477

Moffat, CO $35,438

Monte Vista, CO $35,553

Mosca, CO $35,369

Pagosa Springs, CO $35,562

Romeo, CO $35,582

Saguache, CO $35,560

Sanford, CO $35,382

San Pablo, CO $35,201

South Fork, CO $35,600

Villa Grove, CO $35,485

Salida, CO $35,625

Almont, CO $36,542

Buena Vista, CO $36,486

Canon City, CO $35,466

Cimarron, CO $35,706

Coal Creek, CO $35,256

Coaldale, CO $35,538

Cotopaxi, CO $35,438

Crested Butte, CO $36,734

Florence, CO $35,200

Monarch, CO $35,699

Granite, CO $36,235

Gunnison, CO $35,733

Hillside, CO $35,425

Howard, CO $35,602

Lake City, CO $35,703

Nathrop, CO $35,732

Chef and Head Cook Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Chef and Head Cook roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Hospitality & Leisure sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Chef and Head Cook positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Chef and Head Cook as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Chef and Head Cook

Industry Sector	Average Annual Salary	Average Hourly Rate	Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare	$47,540	$23.0	30%
Hospitality & Leisure	$38,397	$18.0	5%

Chef and Head Cook Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Chef and Head Cook's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

$33,993

Average $36,569/year

$39,425

$2,833

Average $3,047/month

$3,285

$654

Average $703/week

$758

$16

Average $18/hour

$19

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$39,425	$3,285	$758	$19
Average	$36,569	$3,047	$703	$18
25th Percentile	$33,993	$2,833	$654	$16

Find Your Next Chef and Head Cook Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Chef and Head Cook job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

Pointe Frontier Retirement Community | Aurora, CO

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Pointe Frontier Retirement Community | Aurora, CO

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Star Of India Fort Collins | Fort Collins, CO

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YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids | MIDDLEVILLE, MI

Head Cook

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Description. This is a seasonal position at YMCA Camp Manitou Lin, located in Middleville, MI, until mid-November. POSITION SUMMARY. The Head Cook is respo... more

16 Days Ago
Pomeroy Living | LAPEER, MI

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Head Lifeguard

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Description. GlobalGiving is a nonprofit that connects donors with community-led organizations around the world. We have accumulated rich data across our d... more

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Chef and Head Cook Salary in Colorado

Check out Chef and Head Cook Job Openings in Colorado

Key Factors That Influence Chef and Head Cook Salaries

How Experience Level Affects Chef and Head Cook Salaries?

How Do Chef and Head Cook Salaries Vary from State to State?

Top Paying Cities for Chef and Head Cook

Chef and Head Cook Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

The top paying industries for a Chef and Head Cook

Chef and Head Cook Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Find Your Next Chef and Head Cook Job

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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Chef and Head Cook Salary in Colorado

Check out Chef and Head Cook Job Openings in Colorado

Key Factors That Influence Chef and Head Cook Salaries

How Experience Level Affects Chef and Head Cook Salaries?

How Do Chef and Head Cook Salaries Vary from State to State?

Top Paying Cities for Chef and Head Cook

Chef and Head Cook Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

The top paying industries for a Chef and Head Cook

Chef and Head Cook Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Salaries of jobs related to Chef and Head Cook

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