HospitalityUpdated Q1 2025

Executive Chef Salary
in Thornton, CO

Direct kitchen operations, create menus, and lead culinary teams in restaurants and hotels. Median salary in Thornton: $68K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$68K
per year
Take-home: $45K

Salary range in Thornton

Entry level (25th)$52,000
Median (50th)$68,000
Senior (75th)$92,000
Top earner (90th)$128,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Thornton, Colorado.

Key facts for Thornton

Median salary
$68K
annual
Take-home pay
$45K
after fed/state tax
COL index
108
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.55%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,600
per month
YoY growth
+3.8%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Thornton Executive Chef to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $68K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Thornton

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Executive Chef salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$57K$62K$67K$72K$77K201920212023202520272029
2026
$70K
projected
2027
$71K
projected
2028
$73K
projected
2029
$75K
projected
2030
$77K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$68,000+$0
2028 projected$68,000+$0
2029 projected$68,000+$0
2030 projected$68,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Executive Chef Salary in Thornton, Colorado: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Executive Chef salary in Thornton, CO is $68,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Thornton–CO metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Executive Chef in Thornton

Entry-level Executive Chefs in Thornton with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $52,000 and $68,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $68,000 to $92,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $92,000 to $128,000 or more.

Cost of living in Thornton for Executive Chefs

Thornton has a cost of living index of 108 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Thornton are close to the national average. Colorado has a 4.55% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Executive Chef

Culinary degree or apprenticeship. 2% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Executive Chef salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Thornton (current)$68K108
Denver118
Colorado Springs102
Aurora112
Fort Collins112
Lakewood115