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Average Cooks, Fast Food Salary in New Mexico

Cooks in fast-food establishments across New Mexico earn an average annual salary of $29,900. This figure is slightly below the national average of $31,130, reflecting a combination of regional economic factors and the specific demand for this role within the state's labor market. The unique economic landscape of New Mexico influences compensation for these essential service positions.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $29,900 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,820.
  • Outlook: The fast-food cook job market in New Mexico supports a workforce of approximately 2,600 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.7, the concentration of these jobs is somewhat lower than the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations within the state. The presence of over 3 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for these roles.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$29,900

The average Cooks, Fast Food in New Mexico earns-4.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14.4

Weekly

$575

Monthly

$2,492

Cooks, Fast Food Salary Distribution in New Mexico

The salary range for Cooks, Fast Food in New Mexico can vary significantly based on experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced cooks with supervisory responsibilities or specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career progression and increased earning potential as individuals develop their expertise in the fast-food industry.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$27,350$13.1
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$22,425$10.8
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$28,830$13.9
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$37,375$18
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$34,820$16.7

Detailed Cooks, Fast Food Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$29,900

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$33,371

Adjusted for COL (89.6)

The average annual salary of $29,900 in New Mexico for Fast Food Cooks needs to be viewed in the context of the local cost of living. With an index of 89.6, New Mexico is more affordable than the national average (100). This means that the nominal salary of $29,900 likely offers a comparable or slightly better purchasing power than the national average salary in a higher cost-of-living area.

Job Market Context

2,600

Total Jobs

3.015

Per 1K Jobs

0.7

Location Quotient

Below Average

New Mexico has 0.70x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.7 for Fast Food Cooks in New Mexico indicates that this occupation is less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a steady demand for these roles, the market is not saturated, and there may be moderate competition for available positions. The job market is neither exceptionally abundant nor scarce, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Fast Food

CitySalaryDist.
Albuquerque, NM Cooks, Fast Food Salary$30,510↑ 2%29 mi
Santa Fe, NM Cooks, Fast Food Salary$32,180↑ 8%59 mi

Comparing salaries near New Mexico

Hiring Cooks, Fast Foods?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Fast Food make in New Mexico?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Fast Food in New Mexico is $29,900. This typically ranges from $27,350 for entry-level positions to $34,820 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in New Mexico is 4.0% lower than the national median of $31,130.

Is New Mexico a lucrative place for Cooks, Fast Foods?

No, but it is affordable.The average salary of $29,900 is below the national average, but the lower cost of living means your earnings may stretch further than in more expensive states.

Is New Mexico a good place to live for Cooks, Fast Foods?

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 ($30,510) and Santa Fe, NM.

How does New Mexico's average salary for Fast Food Cooks compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Fast Food Cooks in New Mexico is $29,900, which is slightly lower than the national average of $31,130.

What is the total number of Fast Food Cooks employed in New Mexico?

There are approximately 2,600 Fast Food Cooks employed in New Mexico, representing a jobs per 1,000 workers rate of 3.015.

How does the cost of living in New Mexico affect the Fast Food Cook salary?

New Mexico's cost of living index is 89.6, which is below the national average of 100. This makes the $29,900 salary more competitive in terms of purchasing power.

Is the job market for Fast Food Cooks concentrated in New Mexico?

No, the Location Quotient of 0.7 indicates that the concentration of Fast Food Cooks in New Mexico is lower than the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,600 employees in the New Mexico area with a job density of 3.015 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Fast Food • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in New Mexico