Chef Salary in Denver, CO
Chefs in Denver, CO, in 2025, earn approximately $24.39 per hour, which translates to about $975.60 per week, $4,227.60 per month, and $50,731.20 per year.
The demand for Chefs in Denver is growing steadily at about 5% per year, reflecting a positive outlook for culinary professionals seeking opportunities in this vibrant city.
How Much Does a Chef Make in Denver, CO?
The salary of a Chef in Denver varies based on experience, skills, and workplace. The following table shows estimated pay across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $19.21 | $768.40 | $3,317.07 | $39,804.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $24.39 | $975.60 | $4,227.60 | $50,731.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $30.97 | $1,238.80 | $5,360.53 | $64,457.60 |
Do Chefs in Denver Earn Tips?
Chefs usually do not earn tips as part of their compensation. Tips are generally reserved for front-of-house staff such as servers and bartenders. Chefs’ earnings primarily come from their base salary or wages.
Chef Salary in Denver vs. National Average
Nationally, Chefs make an average of about $19.68 per hour, which adds up to approximately $40,934.40 annually.
Chefs in Denver, with an average hourly rate of $24.39 and annual salary of $50,731.20, earn noticeably more than the national average. This difference is influenced by Denver’s culinary scene and cost of living.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Denver for Chefs
Nearby neighborhoods can offer slightly different pay scales for Chefs:
- Downtown Denver: $25.50 per hour
- Cherry Creek: $26.00 per hour
Working in Cherry Creek or Downtown Denver might result in higher earnings due to the upscale dining establishments and affluent clientele in these areas.
What Influences a Chef’s Salary in Denver?
Several factors affect how much a Chef can earn in Denver:
- Experience and Expertise: Chefs with years of experience and specialized skills, such as expertise in ethnic cuisines or pastry arts, tend to earn more.
- Type of Establishment: Fine dining restaurants and high-end hotels generally offer higher salaries compared to fast casual or chain restaurants.
- Education and Certifications: Culinary degrees and certifications like the Certified Executive Chef (CEC) can boost earning potential.
- Management Responsibility: Chefs who lead kitchen teams or oversee large operations can earn higher pay.
- Location: Working in high-demand or trendy neighborhoods typically comes with better compensation.
How To Become a Chef in Denver
Starting a career as a Chef in Denver involves a combination of training, certification, and experience.
A few recommended steps include:
- Enroll in Culinary Programs: Institutions like Johnson & Wales University – Denver Campus offer comprehensive culinary arts programs with hands-on training and industry connections.
- Attend Technical Colleges: Emily Griffith Technical College provides a Culinary Arts program focused on practical skills and kitchen management.
- Obtain Food Safety Certification: The ServSafe Food Handler Certification is nationally recognized and essential for knowledge of safe food handling practices.
- Pursue Advanced Certifications: Experienced Chefs might consider the Certified Executive Chef (CEC) certification from the American Culinary Federation to showcase expertise.
- Gain Kitchen Experience: Starting in entry-level culinary roles and working your way up through dedication helps refine your skills.
Top Employers Hiring Chefs in Denver
Denver features a competitive culinary job market with several prominent employers seeking skilled Chefs:
- The Ritz-Carlton, Denver
- The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
- Guard and Grace
Establishments That Chefs in Denver Work At
Chefs in Denver find opportunities across various types of establishments:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These offer higher salaries due to the sophistication and quality expected.
- Hotels and Resort Kitchens: Big hotel chains or luxury resorts generally pay competitive wages and may provide additional benefits.
- Casual and Fast Casual Restaurants: These often have lower pay scales, but provide quicker entry into the profession.
- Catering Companies and Private Residences: Some Chefs work in catering or as Private Chefs, with pay varying widely by client and event size.
The type of establishment impacts a Chef’s salary significantly, with higher-end places typically offering greater compensation.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Denver for Chefs
If you’re interested in careers related to Chef roles, here are some similar professions to consider:
These include Head Chef, Executive Chef, and Restaurant Manager roles, all closely related in the hospitality industry.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Chefs in Denver
Understanding labor laws and tax regulations is important for Chefs working in Denver to ensure lawful employment and proper compensation.
- Colorado information on labor laws can be found on the official Colorado government website, which provides details on wage rules, overtime, and employment rights.
- For federal labor standards, the U.S. Department of Labor’s website is the authoritative source for rules and compliance.