Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in Las Cruces, NM
Cooks in fast-food establishments in Las Cruces, New Mexico, earn an average annual salary of $29,600. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially lower operational costs in Las Cruces influence compensation for these roles. The specific economic environment of the region plays a significant role in setting these wage levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,600 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,300.
- Outlook: The job market for Fast Food Cooks in Las Cruces, NM, shows a stable presence with a total local workforce of 330 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.97 suggests that the concentration of these jobs in Las Cruces is very close to the national average, indicating a consistent demand that aligns with broader national trends. This steady employment landscape offers reliable opportunities for those in the field.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Fast Food in Las Cruces, NM earns-4.9%below the national average.
$14.2
$569
$2,467
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Las Cruces is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that the salaries for Fast Food Cooks have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increasing minimum wage laws, and evolving market demand for quick-service food options, suggesting a positive, albeit modest, upward trajectory in earnings.
Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in Las Cruces, NM
Salary progression for Fast Food Cooks in Las Cruces, NM, generally correlates with experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while cooks with several years of experience, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding increased expertise and dedication within the role.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,830 | $12.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $22,200 | $10.7 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $27,640 | $13.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $37,000 | $17.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $33,300 | $16 |
Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,600
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,600
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $29,600 in Las Cruces, NM, is directly offset by a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that while the gross salary might appear lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income locally is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the lower nominal wage is balanced by the cost of everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
330
Total Jobs
4.225
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Las Cruces, NM has 0.97x the national average concentration of Cooks, Fast Food jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.97, the job market for Fast Food Cooks in Las Cruces, NM, is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a healthy and competitive market where the number of available positions closely reflects the national distribution relative to the workforce. It suggests that while opportunities exist, the market is not oversaturated, offering a balanced environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| El Paso, TX Cooks, Fast Food Salary | $25,630↓ 13% | 39 mi |
Comparing salaries near Las Cruces, NM
Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in Las Cruces, NM?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in Las Cruces, NM is $29,600. This typically ranges from $26,830 for entry-level positions to $33,300 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Las Cruces, NM is 4.9% lower than the national median of $31,130.
Is Las Cruces, NM a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?
No, it is not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $29,600 is below the national average of $31,130, although the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is similar.
Is Las Cruces, NM a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?
The Cost of Living Index in Las Cruces, NM is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Las Cruces, NM?
Some top paying nearby cities include El Paso, TX ($25,630) and others.
How does the Las Cruces Fast Food Cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Fast Food Cooks in Las Cruces, NM, is $29,600, which is slightly lower than the national average of $31,130.
What is the Cost of Living in Las Cruces, NM, for Fast Food Cooks?
The Cost of Living Index in Las Cruces, NM, is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated are Fast Food Cook jobs in Las Cruces, NM?
The concentration of Fast Food Cook jobs in Las Cruces, NM, is measured by a Location Quotient of 0.97, indicating that the presence of these jobs is very close to the national average.
What is the total number of Fast Food Cooks in Las Cruces, NM?
There are approximately 330 Fast Food Cooks employed in the Las Cruces, NM area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 330 employees in the Las Cruces, NM area with a job density of 4.225 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 Las Cruces, NM