salary$42,220 a year$20 an hour · median pay in the Boulder, CO area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$34,340per year
Top pay (top 10%)$54,600per year
Jobs in the area2,190people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Boulder?
Expensive. Rent of $2,220 a month takes 63.1% of the median restaurant cook salary. That is over the 30% rule, so many people in this job share housing or need a second income.
Restaurant Cook pay in similar cities
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a restaurant cook make in Boulder, CO?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Boulder, CO area is $42,220 a year ($20 an hour). Most earn between $34,340 and $54,600.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Boulder?
Typical rent of $2,220 a month takes 63.1% of the median restaurant cook salary, which we rate Expensive.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the Boulder, CO metro area.