Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Las Cruces, NM
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Las Cruces, NM is $31,760. This figure is notably below the national average of $37,700, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of living influence compensation levels for this role in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,700.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 800 Cooks, Restaurant, and a Location Quotient of 1.09, Las Cruces demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for culinary talent within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Las Cruces, NM earns-15.8%below the national average.
$15.3
$611
$2,647
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Las Cruces is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors and inflation typically drive modest annual increases in compensation for service industry roles.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Las Cruces, NM
Career progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Las Cruces, as elsewhere, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the increasing value and responsibility they bring to an establishment.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,350 | $12.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,820 | $11.5 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,220 | $14.5 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,700 | $19.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,700 | $17.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,760
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,760 in Las Cruces aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of a cook's earnings in Las Cruces is equivalent to that of a cook earning the national average in a typical U.S. city.
Job Market Context
800
Total Jobs
10.241
Per 1K Jobs
1.09
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.09, Las Cruces, NM has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.09 indicates that Las Cruces has a slightly higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy, competitive market where employers actively seek culinary talent, but not to the extent of a significantly undersupplied or oversaturated job pool.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| El Paso, TX Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $29,380↓ 7% | 39 mi |
Comparing salaries near Las Cruces, NM
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Las Cruces, NM?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Las Cruces, NM is $31,760. This typically ranges from $26,350 for entry-level positions to $36,700 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Las Cruces, NM is 15.8% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Las Cruces, NM a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Las Cruces is below the national average, suggesting it is not a particularly high-paying location for this profession.
Is Las Cruces, NM a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
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 ($29,380) and others.
How does the Las Cruces cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Cooks, Restaurant in Las Cruces is $31,760, which is lower than the national average of $37,700.
What is the cost of living in Las Cruces, NM?
The cost of living in Las Cruces, NM is indexed at 100, which is the same as the national average.
Is there high demand for cooks in Las Cruces?
With a Location Quotient of 1.09, there is a slightly higher concentration of cooks in Las Cruces compared to the national average, indicating a stable demand.
How many restaurant cooks are there in Las Cruces?
There are approximately 800 Cooks, Restaurant employed within the Las Cruces workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 800 employees in the Las Cruces, NM area with a job density of 10.241 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, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Las Cruces, NM