Chef / Head Cook Salary in Denver, CO
Chef / Head Cook salaries in Denver range from $33,600 to $108,000 in 2026. The mid-level median is $58,800, which is 20% above the national average.
Junior (0-2 yrs)
$33,600 – $45,600
Median: $39,600 · per year
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)
$48,000 – $69,600
Median: $58,800 · per year
Senior (6+ yrs)
$74,400 – $108,000
Median: $91,200 · per year
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5 years
Entry level20+ years
Estimated Chef / Head Cook Salary in Denver, CO
Estimated†$61,200–$88,800/year
Median: $75,000 per year (adjusted for Denver cost of living)
Junior
$39,600
0-2 yrs
Mid-Level
$58,800
3-5 yrs
Senior
$91,200
6+ yrs
Cost of Living in Denver
Cost of Living Levelhigh
Population715K
Top IndustriesTechnology, Aerospace & Defense, Energy
vs National Average+20%
Top Employers in Denver
Lockheed MartinCharles SchwabArrow ElectronicsDaVitaDISH Network
How Denver Compares
| City | Mid-Level Median | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|
| Denver, CO | $58,800 | high |
| New York, NY | $71,050 | very high |
| Los Angeles, CA | $71,050 | very high |
| Chicago, IL | $58,800 | high |
| Houston, TX | $49,000 | moderate |
| Phoenix, AZ | $49,000 | moderate |