Average Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in Santa Fe, NM
The average salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Santa Fe, NM is $67,030. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $67,030 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.9% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $98,630.
- Outlook: The current demand for Chefs and Head Cookss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 70 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Santa Fe, NM economy.
Salary Overview
The average Chefs and Head Cooks in Santa Fe, NM earns+3.6%above the national average.
$32.2
$1,289
$5,586
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Chefs and Head Cooks salaries in Santa Fe, NM have seen a slight adjustment of -11.9%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Chefs and Head Cooks Salary Distribution in Santa Fe, NM
The earning potential for Chefs and Head Cookss in Santa Fe, NM varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $45,900, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $98,630.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $45,900 | $22.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $50,273 | $24.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $61,370 | $29.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $83,788 | $40.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $98,630 | $47.4 |
Detailed Chefs and Head Cooks Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$67,030
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$67,030
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Santa Fe, NM, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $67,030 to $67,030.
Job Market Context
70
Total Jobs
1.072
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Santa Fe, NM has 0.91x the national average concentration of Chefs and Head Cooks jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
70 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in Santa Fe, NM.
1.072 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Chefs and Head Cooks positions — a typical concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chefs and Head Cooks
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $58,480↓ 13% | 54 mi |
| Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area Chefs and Head Cooks Salary | $62,930↓ 6% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Fe, NM
Hiring Chefs and Head Cookss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chefs and Head Cooks make in Santa Fe, NM?
The median annual salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in Santa Fe, NM is $67,030. This typically ranges from $45,900 for entry-level positions to $98,630 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Santa Fe, NM is 3.6% higher than the national median of $64,680.
Is Santa Fe, NM a good place for Chefs and Head Cookss?
Yes, Santa Fe, NM is financially attractive for Chefs and Head Cookss. The average salary of $67,030 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Santa Fe, NM a good place to live for Chefs and Head Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Fe, NM is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Fe, NM?
Some top paying nearby cities include Albuquerque, NM ($58,480) and Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 70 employees in the Santa Fe, NM area with a job density of 1.072 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 Santa Fe, NM