Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in New Mexico
Chefs and Head Cooks in New Mexico can expect an average annual salary of $60,750. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,680, a common trend in states with a lower cost of living. Local economic factors and the specific demand within New Mexico's culinary scene contribute to this compensation level.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $60,750 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $89,030.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 400 individuals in this profession, the culinary landscape in New Mexico appears to be moderately sized. The Location Quotient of 0.39 indicates that Chefs and Head Cooks are less concentrated in New Mexico compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially less saturated but also less robust job market for these specialized roles.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in New Mexico earns-6.1%below the national average.
$29.2
$1,168
$5,063
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in New Mexico have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, increased consumer spending on dining, and a rising demand for skilled culinary professionals likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in New Mexico
Career progression for Chefs and Head Cooks in New Mexico is typically marked by significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned Head Cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their value and responsibility within a kitchen.
| 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) | $45,563 | $21.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $55,170 | $26.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $75,938 | $36.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $89,030 | $42.8 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$60,750
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$67,801
Adjusted for COL (89.6)
The average annual salary of $60,750 in New Mexico presents a favorable financial situation when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 89.6. This index, being below the national average of 100, means that the purchasing power of a $60,750 salary is effectively higher in New Mexico than in a more expensive state, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle.
Job Market Context
400
Total Jobs
0.463
Per 1K Jobs
0.39
Location Quotient
At 0.39x, New Mexico 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.39 signifies that Chefs and Head Cooks are underrepresented in New Mexico's workforce relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market may not be as competitive as in other regions, potentially offering more opportunities for skilled professionals to find employment, though the overall demand might be lower.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $58,480↓ 4% | 29 mi |
| Santa Fe, NM Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $67,030↑ 10% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near New Mexico
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in New Mexico?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in New Mexico is $60,750. This typically ranges from $43,510 for entry-level positions to $89,030 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in New Mexico is 6.1% lower than the national median of $64,680.
Is New Mexico a lucrative place for Chefs and Head Cooks?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $60,750 is respectable, it falls below the national average of $64,680. However, the lower cost of living can offset this difference in purchasing power.
Is New Mexico a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.6 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near New Mexico?
Some top paying nearby cities include Albuquerque, NM ($58,480) and Santa Fe, NM.
How does the New Mexico salary compare to the national average for Chefs?
The average annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in New Mexico is $60,750, which is approximately $3,930 less than the national average of $64,680.
What is the concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks in New Mexico?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.39, indicating that this profession is less common in New Mexico compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the Chef salary in New Mexico?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.6, New Mexico is more affordable than the national average. This means the $60,750 salary can provide a higher standard of living than the same salary in a more expensive state.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers suggest for this role in New Mexico?
With 0.463 jobs per 1,000 workers, the availability of Chef and Head Cook positions is relatively low, aligning with the lower Location Quotient and suggesting a smaller overall market for these roles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 400 employees in the New Mexico area with a job density of 0.463 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 New Mexico