Chef Salary in Lakewood, CO
Chefs in Lakewood, CO, in 2025, earn approximately $22.29 per hour, which translates to about $891.60 per week, $3,863.60 per month, and $46,363.20 per year.
The job demand for Chefs in Lakewood is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a healthy increase in opportunities and salary potential for culinary professionals in the area.
How Much Does a Chef Make in Lakewood, CO?
The salary of a Chef in Lakewood varies depending on experience, skills, and the type of establishment, but the following table provides an overview based on experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $17.67 | $706.80 | $3,054.40 | $36,652.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $22.29 | $891.60 | $3,863.60 | $46,363.20 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $28.10 | $1,124.00 | $4,850.67 | $58,448.00 |
Do Chefs in Lakewood Earn Tips?
Chefs generally do not earn tips since their work primarily happens in the kitchen and behind the scenes, focused on food preparation rather than customer interaction. Their earnings mostly come from their base salary or wages.
Chef Salary in Lakewood vs. National Average
Nationally, Chefs earn an average of around $19.73 per hour, translating to about $41,038.40 per year.
Chefs in Lakewood earn higher than the national average, making approximately $22.29 per hour and $46,363.20 annually. This is likely due to local market demand and cost of living factors in Colorado.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Lakewood for Chefs
Nearby areas offer attractive pay for Chefs as well:
- Belmar: $24.00 per hour
- Green Mountain: $23.50 per hour
These neighboring communities provide slightly higher wage rates, potentially due to upscale or specialized dining venues.
What Influences a Chef’s Salary in Lakewood?
Experience is a leading factor: Chefs with years of kitchen management or specialized culinary expertise command higher wages.
Skills such as knowledge of various cuisines, plating artistry, and kitchen organization enhance salary potential.
Type of Establishment matters greatly; working at upscale restaurants or hotels generally pays more than casual or fast-casual dining.
Certifications and training also boost salaries, especially for those with formal culinary education or professional certifications.
The local cost of living and demand for quality dining experiences play a role as well.
How To Become a Chef in Lakewood
To pursue a career as a Chef in Lakewood, consider the following steps:
- Complete professional culinary education programs such as the Red Rocks Community College Culinary Arts Program, which offers an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts and certificates in Introduction to Culinary Arts and Culinary Arts.
- Consider enrolling at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in nearby Boulder, which provides diploma and degree programs in culinary and pastry arts.
- Obtain key certifications like the ServSafe Certification for food and beverage safety and the Certified Executive Chef (CEC) credential from the American Culinary Federation to demonstrate culinary and management expertise.
- Gain hands-on experience in kitchens, starting as a line cook or sous chef to build skills and advance.
Top Employers Hiring Chefs in Lakewood
Some of the top employers looking for Chefs in Lakewood include:
- Village at Belmar
- Casa Bonita
- The Fort Restaurant
Establishments That Chefs in Lakewood Work At
Chefs in Lakewood typically find employment in a variety of dining establishments such as:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: These provide steady employment but generally offer moderate salaries.
- Fast Casual: Kitchens focused on quick service tend to offer entry-level pay with opportunities for advancement.
- Fine Dining and Upscale Venues: Chefs here can earn premium wages due to the demand for culinary excellence and presentation.
- Hotels and Resorts: Often provide competitive pay and benefits for experienced chefs managing large operations.
The type of establishment greatly influences salary potential, with fine dining and hotel kitchens typically offering the best compensation and career growth.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Lakewood for Chefs
If you're interested in related roles in the hospitality and culinary field, consider these similar career options:
These roles include Head Chef, Executive Chef, and Restaurant Manager, which require overlapping skill sets and offer varied earning potentials.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Chefs in Lakewood
Understanding labor laws and tax obligations is crucial for Chefs to ensure fair treatment and compliance.
- Visit the Colorado government website for information on state labor laws, minimum wage, overtime rules, and employment resources.
- For federal labor standards, you can check the U.S. Department of Labor website, which covers regulations affecting the hospitality industry nationally.