How Chef / Head Cooks in Colorado get paid in 2026 — median, range, experience tiers, metro breakdown, and a comparison against national pay.
Pay tiers reflect typical Colorado compensation across career stages. Specialized employers may pay above these ranges.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $55,400 | $42,100 | $72,100 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $68,900 | $52,300 | $89,600 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $79,200 | $60,200 | $103,000 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $95,000 | $72,200 | $123,600 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $107,700 | $81,800 | $140,000 |
Pay varies sharply within Colorado. Major metros usually outpay state-wide averages.
| Metro | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Colorado |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | $79,800 | $60,600 | $103,700 | +1% |
Top occupations by median pay in Colorado — useful context if you're weighing a career switch.
→ See full ranking of top 25 highest-paying jobs in Colorado
If you'd consider relocating, here's how regional and comparable markets pay for the same job.
The average Chef / Head Cook salary in Colorado is $79,200 per year as of 2026, based on projections from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics. The 25th percentile sits at $60,200 and the 75th at $103,000.
Pay-wise, Colorado sits +17% above the national Chef / Head Cook median ($67,700). That makes it one of the stronger markets — though cost of living should always be factored in alongside raw salary.
Senior Chef / Head Cooks (10–14 years of experience) in Colorado earn around $95,000 per year on average. Veterans with 15+ years can reach $107,700 or more, especially at the 75th percentile and above.
Among all 51 jurisdictions (50 states + DC), Colorado ranks 11th for Chef / Head Cook pay. The highest-paying state pays around $98,200 on average.
The median is a benchmark, not a verdict. Your exact market value depends on your experience and education — plus your specific employer's pay band. Run the free calculator for a personalized number.
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