Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria pay in Denver-Aurora-Centennial
In Denver-Aurora-Centennial (CO), the median pay for cooks, institution and cafeteria is $21.67 an hour ($45,070 a year). About 4,410 people work in this job there.
That is 20% higher than the U.S. median ($37,450). It is 6% higher than the Colorado median ($42,500).
Pay range for cooks, institution and cafeteria in Denver-Aurora-Centennial (CO)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $18.32 | $38,100 |
| 25% of workers | $19.48 | $40,520 |
| Half of workers (median) | $21.67 | $45,070 |
| 75% of workers | $23.03 | $47,900 |
| 90% of workers | $24.51 | $50,990 |
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria pay in Colorado metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder | $48,020 | 820 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial (this page) | $45,070 | 4,410 |
| Greeley | $42,950 | 420 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland | $39,770 | 670 |
| Grand Junction | $39,140 | 260 |
| Colorado Springs | $39,110 | 1,090 |
| Pueblo | $38,560 | 380 |
Colorado unemployment rate: 4% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for cooks, institution and cafeteria
- Typical education to start: No formal educational credential (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 1 to 3 months (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Short-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: +2.8% over ten years, about as fast as average · about 62,900 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial (CO)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $37,070 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $44,370 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $52,520 |
| Food Preparation Workers | $39,470 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $38,530 |
| Bakers | $42,490 |
| Chefs and Head Cooks | $66,970 |
| Food Service Managers | $79,490 |
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.