What Restaurants Do Pastry Chefs Make the Most Money at in Colorado Springs, CO?

The average hourly wage for Pastry Chefs in Colorado Springs is around $18 to $22 per hour. However, this only tells part of the story. Pastry Chefs, especially in upscale settings, often supplement their income with gratuities and bonuses, which can vary significantly by restaurant type and clientele.

In addition to the base pay, many Pastry Chefs earn an extra $5 to $15 per hour in tips or incentive-based pay in smaller or more casual establishments, while those in high-end hotels or boutique bakeries in Colorado Springs sometimes receive bonuses or tips that push their hourly earnings even higher. This article dives into which restaurants pay well, how factors like restaurant type influence earnings and tips for landing a high-paying Pastry Chef position in Colorado Springs.

Top-Paying Restaurants for Pastry Chefs in Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado Springs offers a variety of dining venues where Pastry Chefs can find rewarding employment. From luxury resorts to acclaimed bistros, these establishments stand out for their quality offerings and competitive pay.

Below are some of the top places where Pastry Chefs tend to earn the most:

1. The Broadmoor

This historic luxury resort is renowned for its exquisite culinary experiences, including its sophisticated pastry kitchen. Pastry Chefs here enjoy competitive salaries and the chance to work in a prestigious, high-volume setting loved by locals and tourists alike.

2. Four by Brother Luck

Known for its creative American cuisine and innovative desserts, this restaurant combines local ingredients with advanced pastry techniques. The establishment fosters a passionate kitchen culture, which pays off in both skill development and compensation.

3. Urban Steam

Urban Steam offers a casual yet trendy atmosphere with a strong focus on fresh-baked goods and pastries. Its location downtown makes it popular among the young crowd and professionals, giving Pastry Chefs steady work with good tipping and potential bonuses.

4. Shuga's

This eclectic café and boutique combines gourmet pastries with a laid-back vibe, attracting a diverse clientele. Pastry Chefs benefit from flexible schedules and an environment supportive of culinary creativity.

5. Suppenkuche

A longstanding establishment specializing in German cuisine and desserts, Suppenkuche offers its pastry staff a steady income and the opportunity to craft traditional European pastries in a warm, family-style setting.

6. La Baguette & Delices

This French bakery is beloved for its authentic breads and sophisticated desserts. Pastry Chefs here enjoy a collaborative environment and the ability to hone their European pastry skills while earning a respectable wage.

The Impact of Restaurant Type on Pastry Chef Earnings

The kind of establishment where a Pastry Chef works greatly affects their earning potential as well as tip income and bonuses.

Luxury hotels and resorts like The Broadmoor typically offer the highest salaries alongside bonuses and benefits, supported by their upscale guest clientele willing to pay premium prices.

Smaller bakeries or casual cafés usually provide a lower base rate but may supplement income with regular tips and profit-sharing, depending on the venue's popularity and clerk generosity.

Additionally, specialized restaurants requiring advanced pastry skills or certifications, such as chocolate tempering or sugar artistry, often pay higher wages to attract qualified candidates.

• Casual cafes or bakeries: Base pay around $15-$18/hour, tips or bonuses $3-$7/hour
• Mid-sized restaurants and bistros: Base pay around $18-$22/hour, tips or bonuses $5-$10/hour
• Upscale dining and resorts: Base pay $22+ per hour, tips and bonuses can add $10-$20+ hourly equivalent

How To Find a High Paying Pastry Chef Job in Colorado Springs

Craft a Professional Resume

Emphasize your pastry skills, specialties, certifications and relevant experience. Highlight any creative or management roles to demonstrate leadership and capability beyond standard baking.

Network in Culinary Circles

Attend local food events, culinary schools and hospitality job fairs in Colorado Springs. Connections with Chefs and kitchen managers can lead to exclusive job opportunities not widely advertised.

Consider Specialized Certifications

Obtaining credentials like ServSafe or advanced pastry certifications can elevate your profile. Many upscale restaurants seek credentialed Chefs and offer higher pay to match their specialized skills.

Apply to Upscale Establishments

Target renowned hotels, resorts and fine-dining restaurants in Colorado Springs, such as The Broadmoor. These venues often pay higher salaries alongside perks like health benefits and opportunities for advancement.

Prepare for Interviews Thoroughly

Demonstrate culinary knowledge and passion for pastry work. Be prepared to discuss your experience with complex desserts, quality control and kitchen collaboration to impress hiring managers.

What’s the Outlook for Pastry Chef Jobs in Colorado Springs in 2025 and Beyond?

The hospitality industry in Colorado Springs has shown steady growth, and the demand for skilled Pastry Chefs is projected to rise moderately through 2025 and beyond. This aligns with increased tourism and expansion of local dining scenes.

According to labor statistics, demand for culinary specialists, including Pastry Chefs, is expected to grow by about 6% over the next five years. Greater interest in artisan baking and elevated dining experiences contribute to this trend.

Locally, Colorado Springs' mix of luxury resorts, growing craft food markets and expanding restaurant scenes creates opportunities for pastry professionals with creative skills and experience.

Is a Pastry Chef’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Colorado Springs?

With an average hourly wage between $18 and $22 plus supplemental tips or bonuses, a Pastry Chef in Colorado Springs can earn roughly $40,000 to $55,000 annually, depending on hours and employer.

The cost of living in Colorado Springs is relatively moderate among U.S. cities. Here’s a snapshot of monthly expenses in 2025:

• 1-Bedroom Apartment (city center): approximately $1,200
• Utilities: around $150
• Groceries: estimated $300-$400
• Transportation (gas/public transit): $100-$150

Overall, a Pastry Chef working full-time, especially in venues that offer tips or bonuses, can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in Colorado Springs, covering rent, utilities, groceries and leisure.

Earnings can increase further with experience, certifications and employment at upscale establishments offering higher pay and supplemental income.

Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Colorado Springs Pastry Chef Jobs

We selected these restaurants and venues based on extensive research across multiple job platforms and feedback from local culinary professionals in Colorado Springs.

Our key factors included:

• Competitive Pay: Employers offering strong base wages plus opportunities for tips or bonuses.
• Work Environment: Places known for supportive kitchen culture and growth potential.
• Reputation and Location: Well-known restaurants and resorts in desirable areas with steady clientele.
• Benefits: Access to health insurance, paid time off or skill development programs.

These combined criteria ensure Pastry Chefs have the best earning potential and a positive workplace atmosphere in Colorado Springs.