As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cook - Institution in Colorado is $38,736 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Cook - Institution's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Cook - Institution's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Cook - Institution's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Cook - Institution | $37,441 |
| Intermediate Level Cook - Institution | $37,559 |
| Senior Level Cook - Institution | $38,147 |
| Specialist Level Cook - Institution | $39,200 |
| Expert Level Cook - Institution | $40,527 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Cook - Institutions. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Cook - Institution salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $43,326. While startup companies pay approximate $36,640.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $36,640 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $38,753 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $41,839 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $43,326 |
For Cook - Institution roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Cook - Institution positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Cook - Institution as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $48,420 | $23.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $46,483 | $22.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $46,483 | $22.0 | 20% |
| Insurance | $44,546 | $21.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $42,609 | $20.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Cook - Institution's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Cook - Institution, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Chef | $60,300 | 56% |
| Sous Chef | $56,886 | 47% |
| Pastry Chef | $71,036 | 83% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Cook - Institution job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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