salary$44,370 a year$21 an hour · median pay in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$36,340per year
Top pay (top 10%)$49,880per year
Jobs in the area15,410people work this job
Can a restaurant cook afford Denver?
Expensive. Rent of $2,065 a month takes 55.8% 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 Denver, CO?
The median pay for a restaurant cook in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area is $44,370 a year ($21 an hour). Most earn between $36,340 and $49,880.
Can a restaurant cook afford to live in Denver?
Typical rent of $2,065 a month takes 55.8% 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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area.