Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Colorado
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | Colorado | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $36,880 | $34,130 | +8.1% vs US |
| State Rank | #7 of 54 states | Top 10 state | |
| Employment | 273,300 jobs | 13,613,490 jobs | 2.0% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $30,150 | $14.50 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,670 | $15.71 |
| Median | $36,880 | $17.73 |
| 75th Percentile | $45,370 | $21.81 |
| 90th Percentile | $60,550 | $29.11 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Colorado in 2026?
With a median salary of $36,880 in Colorado and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +92.3%, food preparation and serving related occupations are still in strong and growing demand.
How can food preparation and serving related occupations increase their salary in Colorado?
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 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 #7 out of 54 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 Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Colorado?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Household Appliance Manufacturing | $77,690 |
| Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities | $67,600 |
| Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities | $67,600 |
How are Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations paid in Colorado compared to the national average?
The median salary for Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations in Colorado is $36,880, which is 8.1% above the national median of $34,130.