Average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary in New Mexico
Cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings in New Mexico earn an average annual salary of $34,460. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,130, suggesting that regional economic factors and the specific demand within the state contribute to this compensation level. Understanding these local dynamics is crucial for anyone in this profession within New Mexico.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,460 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,600.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,650 individuals in this role, New Mexico demonstrates a significant concentration of institutional and cafeteria cooks, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.46. This suggests a demand for these services that exceeds the national average relative to the overall workforce, pointing towards a stable job market for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in New Mexico earns-9.6%below the national average.
$16.6
$663
$2,872
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in New Mexico have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory, even if modest, would reflect an evolving labor market and potentially increasing operational costs for food service institutions.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary Distribution in New Mexico
Salary progression for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in New Mexico typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while senior cooks with extensive experience and potentially supervisory responsibilities can expect to earn considerably more. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways within the field.
| 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) | $25,845 | $12.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,240 | $16.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $43,075 | $20.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $41,600 | $20 |
Detailed Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,460
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,460
Adjusted for COL (89.6)
The nominal average salary of $34,460 in New Mexico presents a favorable financial picture when considered against the local Cost of Living Index of 89.6. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of the average salary is likely higher in New Mexico than in a more expensive state, making the effective income more substantial.
Job Market Context
3,650
Total Jobs
4.245
Per 1K Jobs
1.46
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.46, New Mexico has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.46 for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in New Mexico indicates a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market in New Mexico is relatively more robust or specialized in this particular culinary sector, potentially offering more opportunities and a competitive environment for skilled workers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $35,720↑ 4% | 29 mi |
| Santa Fe, NM Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria Salary | $37,900↑ 10% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near New Mexico
Hiring Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria make in New Mexico?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in New Mexico is $34,460. This typically ranges from $27,550 for entry-level positions to $41,600 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in New Mexico is 9.6% lower than the national median of $38,130.
Is New Mexico a lucrative place for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
No, but cost of living is lower.While the average salary of $34,460 is below the national average, New Mexico's lower cost of living (89.6) can make the effective income more competitive. The higher concentration of these roles (LQ 1.46) indicates demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is New Mexico a good place to live for Cooks, Institution and Cafeterias?
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 ($35,720) and Santa Fe, NM.
How does the New Mexico salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in New Mexico is $34,460, which is lower than the national average of $38,130.
What does the Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.46 mean for cooks in New Mexico?
An LQ of 1.46 signifies that New Mexico has 46% more cooks in institutional and cafeteria settings relative to the national average workforce composition, indicating a higher concentration of these jobs.
How does the cost of living affect the cook's salary in New Mexico?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.6, New Mexico is more affordable than the national average. This means the $34,460 salary can potentially offer a better purchasing power than a similar salary in a higher cost-of-living area.
What is the total number of institutional and cafeteria cooks in New Mexico?
There are approximately 3,650 individuals employed as Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in New Mexico.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,650 employees in the New Mexico area with a job density of 4.245 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 New Mexico