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Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Albuquerque, NM

Cooks in Albuquerque, New Mexico, earn an average annual salary of $34,560. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially the cost of labor influence compensation in the area. While the nominal salary may seem lower, understanding the local economic context is crucial for a complete picture.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $34,560 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,060.
  • Outlook: Albuquerque supports a robust local workforce of 3,930 Cooks, Restaurant professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.04, the concentration of these jobs in Albuquerque is slightly higher than the national average, suggesting a stable and perhaps growing demand for culinary talent within the city.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$34,560

The average Cooks, Restaurant in Albuquerque, NM earns-8.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.6

Weekly

$665

Monthly

$2,880

Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Albuquerque, NM

Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Albuquerque typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, rewarding expertise and dedication.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$28,890$13.9
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$25,920$12.5
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$34,360$16.5
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$43,200$20.8
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$42,060$20.2

Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$34,560

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$34,560

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $34,560 in Albuquerque aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, a cook's earnings in Albuquerque will have purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making the nominal salary figure a fair representation of its real value within the local economy.

Job Market Context

3,930

Total Jobs

9.784

Per 1K Jobs

1.04

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.04, Albuquerque, NM has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.

Albuquerque's Location Quotient of 1.04 signifies a slightly higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy job market where demand is at least on par with, if not slightly exceeding, the national distribution, indicating a competitive but accessible environment for culinary professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant

CitySalaryDist.
Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$32,490↓ 6%29 mi
Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary$33,810↓ 2%29 mi
Santa Fe, NM Cooks, Restaurant Salary$37,390↑ 8%54 mi

Comparing salaries near Albuquerque, NM

Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Albuquerque, NM?

The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Albuquerque, NM is $34,560. This typically ranges from $28,890 for entry-level positions to $42,060 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Albuquerque, NM is 8.3% lower than the national median of $37,700.

Is Albuquerque, NM a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?

Yes, with caveats.The average salary of $34,560 is at the national average for cost of living, and the job concentration is slightly above average, indicating a stable market.

Is Albuquerque, NM a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?

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 ($32,490) and Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area.

How does experience impact a Cook's salary in Albuquerque?

Experience is a significant factor; entry-level cooks earn less, while senior cooks with specialized skills and proven track records command higher salaries, reflecting a clear career progression path.

What is the job outlook for Cooks, Restaurant in Albuquerque?

The job outlook appears stable, with a local workforce of nearly 4,000 and a location quotient slightly above the national average, suggesting consistent demand.

How does Albuquerque's cost of living compare nationally?

Albuquerque's cost of living is exactly at the national average, indexed at 100, meaning your salary's purchasing power is comparable to the national standard.

Is the number of Cooks, Restaurant jobs high in Albuquerque?

With 9.784 jobs per 1,000 workers and a location quotient of 1.04, the presence of cooks is slightly more concentrated in Albuquerque 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 3,930 employees in the Albuquerque, NM area with a job density of 9.784 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Albuquerque, NM