Colorado ranks 16th of 51 states and D.C. for cooks, institution and cafeteria pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($48,260) by $7,370 — a 18% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $34,750 to $49,630 — a $14,880 spread, 31% tighter than the national $21,520 range.
Colorado employs roughly 2.1% of all cooks, institution and cafeteria in the country (9,520 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $34,750 | $16.71 |
| 25th percentile | $37,050 | $17.81 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $40,890 | $19.66 |
| 75th percentile | $46,230 | $22.22 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $49,630 | $23.86 |
| Mean (average) | $42,080 | $20.23 |
How Colorado Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado (current) | $40,890 | n/a |
| Washington | $48,260 | +18% |
| Hawaii | $47,250 | +16% |
| Alaska | $46,900 | +15% |
| Massachusetts | $46,280 | +13% |
| Connecticut | $45,870 | +12% |
| California | $45,680 | +12% |
| District of Columbia | $45,600 | +12% |
| Rhode Island | $45,450 | +11% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Colorado
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $40,710 | 56,840 |
| Receptionists and Information Clerks | $40,560 | 11,680 |
| Orderlies | $41,390 | 680 |
| File Clerks | $41,520 | 1,550 |
| Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers | $41,660 | 3,650 |
| Residential Advisors | $39,780 | 890 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Colorado?
The mean cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in Colorado is $42,080 per year. The median (middle) salary is $40,890 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Colorado?
Entry-level cooks, institution and cafeterias (10th percentile) in Colorado typically earn around $34,750 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $37,050 per year.
What is the highest Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in Colorado?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Colorado make approximately $49,630 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $46,230 per year.
How does the Colorado Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary compare to the national average?
The median cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in Colorado is $40,890, which is +12% above national average of $36,450.