Cook Salary in Lakewood, CO
Cooks in Lakewood, CO, in 2025, earn approximately $19.41 per hour, which translates to about $776.40 per week, $3,364.40 per month, and $40,372.80 per year.
The demand for Cooks in Lakewood is healthy and growing at about 5% per year, indicating expanding opportunities in the local culinary and hospitality industries.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Lakewood, CO?
The salary of a Cook in Lakewood varies with experience and employer, but the following breakdown provides an overview of typical earnings by skill level.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $14.81 | $592.40 | $2,559.47 | $30,796.80 |
| Mid-level (average) | $19.41 | $776.40 | $3,364.40 | $40,372.80 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $26.07 | $1,042.80 | $4,520.20 | $54,225.60 |
Do Cooks in Lakewood Earn Tips?
Cooks generally do not earn tips because their work mainly takes place behind the scenes in the kitchen rather than directly serving customers. Their compensation is primarily from wages or salary.
Cook Salary in Lakewood vs. National Average
Nationally, Cooks earn an average of around $16 per hour, which amounts to approximately $33,280 per year.
Compared to the national average, Cooks in Lakewood earn more per hour at $19.41 and have a higher annual salary averaging $40,372.80. This difference likely reflects local living costs and demand for culinary professionals.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Lakewood for Cooks
Nearby cities offer varying salaries for Cooks:
- Lone Tree: $22.43 per hour
- Denver: $21.21 per hour
These figures indicate that Cooks in Lone Tree and Denver earn more than their counterparts in Lakewood, likely due to larger markets and different establishment types.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Lakewood?
Several factors affect a Cook’s earning potential in Lakewood:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Cooks with refined culinary skills generally command higher salaries.
- Type of Establishment: Cooks working in upscale restaurants or hotels often earn more than those in casual dining or fast food settings.
- Certifications and Training: Holding culinary certifications can improve pay and job prospects.
- Work Hours and Shifts: Evening, weekend, and holiday shifts may provide shift differentials, increasing income.
- Local Market Demand: Economic activity and tourism in Lakewood influence job availability and pay rates.
How To Become a Cook in Lakewood
There are several paths to launching a career as a Cook in Lakewood:
- Formal Culinary Education: Programs like the Red Rocks Community College Culinary Arts Program offer an Associate of Applied Science degree and include a 6,000-hour apprenticeship combining hands-on practice and classroom learning.
- Food Safety Certification: Acquiring the ServSafe Food Handler Certification is often required by employers and ensures knowledge of safety standards.
- Culinary Skills Certification: Certifications such as the Certified Culinarian (CC) from the American Culinary Federation can attest to skill and professionalism.
- Gain Experience: Entry positions such as kitchen assistants or line cooks provide valuable experience to build culinary skills.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Lakewood
Notable employers frequently hiring Cooks in Lakewood include:
- Yard House
- Olive Garden
- Village at Belmar
- Crossroads at Lakewood
- Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom
Establishments That Cooks in Lakewood Work At
Cooks in Lakewood are employed in a variety of establishments such as casual dining restaurants, fast casual eateries, hotels, catering companies, and institutional kitchens.
The type of establishment significantly influences salary. Cooks in upscale or fine dining restaurants and hotels often earn higher wages than those in fast food or casual dining due to the skill level required and volume of business.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Lakewood for Cooks
For those interested in fields similar to cooking, several related roles exist in the hospitality industry.
These careers include Line Cook, Head Chef, and Kitchen Supervisor, which share many responsibilities and skills with the Cook role but may offer different salary ranges and advancement options.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Lakewood
It is important for Cooks in Lakewood to understand the relevant labor laws and tax obligations that protect their rights and ensure compliance.
- Colorado's official site provides details on state labor laws and employment resources at Colorado.gov.
- The U.S. Department of Labor's site offers comprehensive federal labor law information at dol.gov.