Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Albuquerque, NM
Cooks in fast-food establishments in Albuquerque, New Mexico, earn an average annual salary of $30,510. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, indicating localized market dynamics and potentially different cost pressures influencing compensation in the region. The specific economic conditions and demand for fast-food services within Albuquerque play a significant role in shaping this salary benchmark.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,520.
- Outlook: Albuquerque's fast-food cook job market, with a total local workforce of 780 individuals, presents a moderate concentration of employment. The Location Quotient of 0.45 suggests that while the profession is present, it is less concentrated than the national average, implying a stable but not rapidly expanding demand. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers, at 1.935, further supports the notion of a consistent, albeit not booming, employment landscape for these roles.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Albuquerque, NM earns-2.0%below the national average.
$14.7
$587
$2,543
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for fast-food cooks in Albuquerque over the last four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth mirroring national patterns. Economic factors such as inflation, minimum wage adjustments, and increased demand for quick-service dining likely contributed to incremental salary increases for cooks, aiming to keep compensation competitive within the local market.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Albuquerque, NM
Experience significantly impacts the earning potential for Cooks, Fast Food. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior cooks or those with specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, from the 25th to the 75th percentile and beyond, signify clear career progression pathways and the financial rewards associated with accumulating experience and expertise in the fast-food industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,680 | $13.8 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,883 | $11 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $29,230 | $14.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,138 | $18.3 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,520 | $17.1 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $30,510 for Cooks, Fast Food in Albuquerque aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Albuquerque cook's salary is equivalent to that of a cook earning the national average in a location with average living expenses. Consequently, the salary offers a standard level of affordability within the city.
Job Market Context
780
Total Jobs
1.935
Per 1K Jobs
0.45
Location Quotient
At 0.45x, Albuquerque, NM has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
With a Location Quotient of 0.45, the job market for Cooks, Fast Food in Albuquerque is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there are dedicated roles within the city, the profession does not dominate the local employment landscape to the same extent as it does nationally. This could indicate a less competitive environment for job seekers compared to areas with a higher concentration, potentially offering more opportunities relative to the number of professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,470↓ 3% | 29 mi |
| Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $29,590↓ 3% | 29 mi |
| Santa Fe, NM Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $32,180↑ 5% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Albuquerque, NM
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Albuquerque, NM?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Albuquerque, NM is $30,510. This typically ranges from $28,680 for entry-level positions to $35,520 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Albuquerque, NM is 2.0% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Albuquerque, NM a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $30,510 is slightly below the national average, and the job market concentration is lower than the national average.
Is Albuquerque, NM a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
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 ($29,470) and Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area.
How does Albuquerque's cost of living affect Fast Food Cook salaries?
Albuquerque's Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $30,510 salary provides average purchasing power, neither significantly boosting nor hindering financial well-being relative to national standards.
What is the concentration of Fast Food Cooks in Albuquerque?
The Location Quotient of 0.45 indicates that Fast Food Cooks are less concentrated in Albuquerque's workforce compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market for this role.
How many Fast Food Cooks are there in Albuquerque?
There are approximately 780 Fast Food Cooks employed within the Albuquerque metropolitan area, representing a notable segment of the local service industry workforce.
What is the average salary for a Fast Food Cook nationally?
The national average annual salary for a Fast Food Cook is approximately $31,130, making the Albuquerque average slightly lower.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 780 employees in the Albuquerque, NM area with a job density of 1.935 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Albuquerque, NM