Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in Las Cruces, NM
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in Las Cruces, NM, earn an average annual salary of $32,960. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation for this role within the city.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,960 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 39.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,710.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 650 individuals in this specific role, the market in Las Cruces exhibits a significant concentration, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.85. This suggests a robust demand and a higher prevalence of these positions compared to the national average, pointing towards a stable job market for institutional and cafeteria cooks.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Las Cruces, NM earns-13.6%below the national average.
$15.9
$634
$2,747
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Las Cruces is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This upward trajectory, though potentially incremental, reflects the ongoing need for these essential food service professionals.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in Las Cruces, NM
Career progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. As experience increases, so does earning potential, with senior cooks commanding higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distributions signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased compensation based on skill development and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,550 | $13.2 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $24,720 | $11.9 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $33,150 | $15.9 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $41,200 | $19.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,710 | $17.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,960
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,960
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $32,960 in Las Cruces aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is below the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
650
Total Jobs
8.299
Per 1K Jobs
2.85
Location Quotient
Las Cruces, NM has 2.9x the national concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 2.85 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Las Cruces signifies a market that is significantly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a higher availability of these jobs relative to the general workforce, suggesting that the job market is relatively abundant and potentially competitive for new entrants.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| El Paso, TX Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $27,070↓ 18% | 39 mi |
Comparing salaries near Las Cruces, NM
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in Las Cruces, NM?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Las Cruces, NM is $32,960. This typically ranges from $27,550 for entry-level positions to $35,710 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Las Cruces, NM is 13.6% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is Las Cruces, NM a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria is below the national benchmark. The high concentration suggests demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Las Cruces, NM a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
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 ($27,070) and others.
How does the Las Cruces salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in Las Cruces, NM is $32,960, which is lower than the national average of $38,130.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.85 mean for this job role?
A Location Quotient of 2.85 indicates that the concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria jobs in Las Cruces is 2.85 times higher than the national average, suggesting a strong local presence of this profession.
How does the cost of living in Las Cruces affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Las Cruces is at the national average. This means the $32,960 salary has average purchasing power locally, despite being below the national salary average.
What is the total number of institutional and cafeteria cooks in Las Cruces?
There are approximately 650 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria 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 650 employees in the Las Cruces, NM area with a job density of 8.299 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, Institution and Cafeteria • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Las Cruces, NM