Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Albuquerque, NM
In Albuquerque, NM, Chefs and Head Cooks earn an average annual salary of $58,480. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,680, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation within the culinary sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $86,500.
- Outlook: The culinary job market in Albuquerque, NM, for Chefs and Head Cooks, while not exceptionally concentrated with a Location Quotient of 0.44, supports a dedicated local workforce of 210 professionals. The rate of 0.515 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit not booming, demand for these skilled positions within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Albuquerque, NM earns-9.6%below the national average.
$28.1
$1,125
$4,873
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Albuquerque's culinary sector is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks nationwide have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, driven by inflation, increased demand for skilled culinary professionals, and evolving dining trends. This national trend likely influences local compensation, even if Albuquerque's specific growth rate differs.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Albuquerque, NM
Salary progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in Albuquerque, like elsewhere, is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive culinary expertise, management skills, and a proven track record can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect this career trajectory, with senior roles occupying the higher earnings brackets.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $43,510 | $20.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $43,860 | $21.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $51,990 | $25 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $73,100 | $35.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $86,500 | $41.6 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$58,480
Adjusted for COL (100)
For individuals considering a move to Albuquerque, the average Chef and Head Cook salary of $58,480 aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary in Albuquerque is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without the significant financial strain often associated with high-cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
0.515
Per 1K Jobs
0.44
Location Quotient
At 0.44x, Albuquerque, NM has a notably lower concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
With a Location Quotient of 0.44, Albuquerque exhibits a lower concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, it is not a dominant industry in the local economy, potentially indicating a less saturated market for specialized culinary talent but also potentially lower overall demand compared to more concentrated regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $62,930↑ 8% | 29 mi |
| Santa Fe, NM Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $67,030↑ 15% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Albuquerque, NM
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Albuquerque, NM?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Albuquerque, NM is $58,480. This typically ranges from $43,510 for entry-level positions to $86,500 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Albuquerque, NM is 9.6% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is Albuquerque, NM a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in Albuquerque is below the national average, indicating less lucrative compensation in this specific role.
Is Albuquerque, NM a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Albuquerque, NM is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Albuquerque, NM?
Some top paying nearby cities include Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area ($62,930) and Santa Fe, NM.
How does Albuquerque's cost of living compare to the national average?
Albuquerque's cost of living index is exactly 100, which is the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical U.S. city.
What is the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in Albuquerque?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.44, which is less than half the national average. This indicates a lower relative presence of this profession in Albuquerque compared to the rest of the country.
How many Chef and Head Cook jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Albuquerque?
There are approximately 0.515 jobs for Chefs and Head Cooks per 1,000 workers in Albuquerque, reflecting the specific employment landscape for this role within the city's broader workforce.
Does experience significantly impact a Chef's salary in Albuquerque?
Yes, experience is a primary driver of salary for Chefs and Head Cooks. Senior roles with extensive culinary and management backgrounds command higher salaries than entry-level positions, with salary percentiles reflecting this career growth.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Albuquerque, NM area with a job density of 0.515 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Chefs and Head Cooks • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Albuquerque, NM