The Journal · Labor.

Why we pay staff above market

A line cook on our pit makes $20-26/hr depending on tenure. A truck lead makes $22-28/hr. The Colorado Springs BBQ baseline runs $14-17/hr. We pay the premium because the 14-hour brisket needs a cook who will still be here in 3 months — and the turnover math breaks even at 18 months, which our pit team already clears.