What Restaurants Do Head Chefs Make the Most Money at in Boulder, CO?

Restaurants Where Head Chefs Make the Most Money at in Boulder, CO: Key Takeaways

The average hourly wage for Head Chefs in Boulder is around $35 per hour, with top restaurants paying up to $39.65 per hour.
Head Chefs generally do not earn tips, but their salaries reflect their leadership and culinary expertise in the kitchen.
Compensation varies based on the restaurant’s prestige, with catering and university venues also offering competitive pay.

Boulder offers a variety of opportunities for Head Chefs seeking rewarding salaries and professional environments.

For insights on leading culinary careers, see our chef career tips spotlight.

This article breaks down the top-paying restaurants for Head Chefs in Boulder, detailing salary estimates and key factors influencing pay.

Top-Paying Restaurants for Head Chefs in Boulder, CO

1. Red F Catering & Provisions

Red F Catering & Provisions is renowned for its innovative catering services and handcrafted provisions blending farm-fresh ingredients with creative recipes.

Head Chefs here benefit from strong compensation reflecting the company’s growth and focus on quality cuisine.

Explore how to hire a restaurant consultant to boost your culinary business.

2. University of Colorado Boulder

The University of Colorado Boulder offers diverse culinary environments including campus dining and event catering, providing stable salaried positions for Head Chefs.

This institution values professional culinary leadership and supports staff with competitive wages and benefits.

3. Frasca Food and Wine

Frasca Food and Wine is a celebrated fine dining destination inspired by the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of Italy, focusing on sophisticated wine pairings and elegant dishes.

Its Head Chefs earn competitive wages, benefiting from the restaurant’s prestigious reputation.

4. The Kitchen Boulder

The Kitchen Boulder is known for its farm-to-table approach, emphasizing seasonal and locally sourced ingredients in a contemporary setting.

Head Chefs are compensated well, reflecting the restaurant’s ethos of sustainability and quality.

For those aspiring to rise in culinary roles, visit our head chef interview questions page for preparation tips.

5. Oak at Fourteenth

Oak at Fourteenth blends southwestern flavors with classic techniques, offering a unique dining experience in Boulder.

This venue provides Head Chefs with solid pay and the chance to showcase their culinary creativity.

The Impact of Restaurant Type on Head Chef Earnings in Boulder, CO

Head Chef earnings fluctuate widely based on the style and prestige of the restaurant.

Upscale fine dining venues and catering companies typically offer higher base salaries reflecting the complexity and expectations of the cuisine and clientele.

Casual and university dining environments may offer stable wages with less variability but fewer opportunities for large bonuses.

Benefits and incentives play an important role. Learn about restaurant incentives for employees to enhance retention.

Experience and leadership skills: Highly skilled Head Chefs commanding team management often secure top pay.
Location: Downtown Boulder’s popular dining spots tend to offer greater compensation than suburban areas.
Certifications: Culinary degrees and food safety certifications can influence salary levels.

How To Find a High Paying Head Chef Job in Boulder, CO

Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter

Create a professional resume that highlights your management experience and culinary accomplishments to stand out to employers.

Check our guide on how to write a chef cover letter to improve your job applications.

Gain Certifications and Keep Skills Current

Obtain industry-leading certifications such as ServSafe and advanced culinary courses to boost employability and salary potential.

Network with Local Food Industry Professionals

Attend Boulder food events and join hospitality groups to meet restaurant owners and hiring managers actively looking for talented Head Chefs.

Networking can be enhanced by learning strategies from our spotlight on how to find the best staff for your restaurant.

Consider a Variety of Establishments

Explore opportunities in catering, university dining, and fine dining to find a role that matches your skills and salary goals.

What’s the Outlook for Head Chef Jobs in Boulder, CO in 2025 and Beyond?

The demand for Head Chefs in Boulder is expected to remain strong as the city’s culinary scene continues to expand and diversify.

Growth in upscale dining and an emphasis on farm-to-table concepts create opportunities for experienced culinary leaders.

According to labor market data, the hospitality sector in Boulder is projected to grow steadily, translating to increased openings at all levels including Head Chefs.

This positive outlook suggests:

Opportunities for advancement into executive culinary roles.
Increased competition for positions at prestigious restaurants.
Growing interest in sustainable and local ingredient sourcing.

Is a Head Chef’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Boulder, CO?

A Head Chef earning around $35 per hour in Boulder can make approximately $72,800 annually, depending on overtime and bonuses.

Living expenses in Boulder are moderate but rising:

Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,600 per month
Utilities and internet: $150 per month
Groceries and dining: $350–$500 per month
Transportation: $80 monthly bus pass

With prudent budgeting, a Head Chef’s salary in Boulder is sufficient to cover a comfortable lifestyle, including housing, food, and leisure activities.

Learn about cost of living in Colorado to better assess your expenses.

Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Boulder, CO Head Chef Jobs

We selected these restaurants based on their competitive hourly rates and reputation for culinary excellence in Boulder’s vibrant food scene.

Additional factors include:

Location: Easily accessible and popular dining districts in Boulder.
Work Environment: Supportive management fostering professional growth for Head Chefs.
Benefits: Opportunities for healthcare, paid time off, and professional development.

Our goal is to highlight roles where Head Chefs can maximize earnings while working in respected and rewarding kitchens.

01. Which restaurant pays the best for Head Chefs in Boulder, CO?

Red F Catering & Provisions offers the highest estimated pay for Head Chefs in Boulder, CO, closely followed by Frasca Food and Wine.

02. How much does a Head Chef in Boulder, CO earn from tips?

Head Chefs typically do not receive tips as part of their earnings because they work in back-of-house leadership roles, but their salary is generally higher to compensate.

03. Is it easy to find a job as a Head Chef in Boulder, CO?

While entry-level kitchen jobs may be more accessible, securing a Head Chef position requires significant culinary experience and leadership skills, but Boulder’s dynamic food scene offers opportunities for qualified candidates.

04. What is the career path for Head Chefs in Boulder, CO?

Head Chefs can advance to executive chef positions, manage multiple kitchens, or branch into culinary consulting and entrepreneurship within Boulder’s growing hospitality industry.