Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in New Mexico
Restaurant Cooks in New Mexico earn an average annual salary of $34,160. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, a common trend in states with a lower cost of living. Local economic factors and the demand within the state's culinary sector significantly influence compensation for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,160 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,060.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 8,730 individuals in this role, New Mexico demonstrates a stable presence for Restaurant Cooks. The Location Quotient of 1.08 suggests a concentration of these jobs slightly above the national average, indicating a healthy demand and a robust job market for culinary professionals within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in New Mexico earns-9.4%below the national average.
$16.4
$657
$2,847
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Restaurant Cooks in New Mexico have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for skilled kitchen staff, and the evolving culinary landscape within the state.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in New Mexico
Salary progression for Restaurant Cooks in New Mexico, as elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower wages, while seasoned chefs and cooks with specialized skills and leadership experience can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary data clearly signify the career advancement opportunities available within this profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,670 | $13.3 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,620 | $12.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $34,110 | $16.4 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,700 | $20.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,060 | $20.2 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,160
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,125
Adjusted for COL (89.6)
The nominal average salary of $34,160 in New Mexico is considerably more impactful when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 89.6. This index, which is below the national average of 100, means that the purchasing power of a New Mexico cook's salary is effectively higher than the raw number suggests, making the state an attractive option for those mindful of their budget.
Job Market Context
8,730
Total Jobs
10.138
Per 1K Jobs
1.08
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.08, New Mexico has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.08 indicates that Restaurant Cooks are slightly more concentrated in New Mexico than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet accessible job market, where demand is consistent and there are ample opportunities for skilled individuals to find employment within the state's vibrant food service industry.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $34,560↑ 1% | 29 mi |
| Santa Fe, NM Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $37,390↑ 9% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near New Mexico
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in New Mexico?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in New Mexico is $34,160. This typically ranges from $27,670 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 New Mexico is 9.4% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is New Mexico a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
Moderately. While the nominal salary is below the national average, the lower cost of living enhances purchasing power.The average salary of $34,160 is slightly less than the national average, but New Mexico's cost of living index of 89.6 means your earnings can go further.
Is New Mexico a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
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 ($34,560) and Santa Fe, NM.
What is the average salary for a Restaurant Cook in New Mexico?
The average annual salary for a Restaurant Cook in New Mexico is $34,160.
How does New Mexico's salary for cooks compare to the national average?
The average salary in New Mexico ($34,160) is slightly lower than the national average ($37,700).
What is the cost of living in New Mexico compared to the national average?
New Mexico has a cost of living index of 89.6, which is below the national average of 100, indicating a more affordable lifestyle.
How concentrated are Restaurant Cook jobs in New Mexico?
New Mexico has a Location Quotient of 1.08 for Restaurant Cooks, meaning the concentration of these jobs is slightly higher 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 8,730 employees in the New Mexico area with a job density of 10.138 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 New Mexico