Cooks, Fast Food in Colorado
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | Colorado | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $35,140 | $30,160 | +16.5% vs US |
| State Rank | #12 of 53 states | Top 20 state | |
| Employment | 9,560 jobs | 668,230 jobs | 1.4% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $30,690 | $14.75 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,590 | $15.67 |
| Median | $35,140 | $16.89 |
| 75th Percentile | $37,150 | $17.86 |
| 90th Percentile | $43,200 | $20.77 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Cooks, Fast Food in Colorado in 2026?
With a median salary of $35,140 in Colorado and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +84.7%, cooks, fast food are still in strong and growing demand.
How can cooks, fast food increase their salary in Colorado?
Cooks, Fast Food in Colorado can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: Colorado currently ranks #12 out of 53 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Cooks, Fast Food in Colorado?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Beverage and Tobacco Product Manufacturing | $44,930 |
| Beverage Manufacturing | $44,930 |
| Educational Services | $42,710 |
How are Cooks, Fast Food paid in Colorado compared to the national average?
The median salary for Cooks, Fast Food in Colorado is $35,140, which is 16.5% above the national median of $30,160.