Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Albuquerque, NM
In Albuquerque, NM, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $31,230. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, reflecting localized economic conditions and demand specific to the New Mexico market. Factors such as the regional cost of goods, local business volume, and the overall economic health of Albuquerque play a significant role in shaping compensation for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,340.
- Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation Workers in Albuquerque appears robust, with a total local workforce of 3,260 individuals in this sector. The Location Quotient of 1.41 indicates a higher concentration of these jobs in Albuquerque compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for these services within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Albuquerque, NM earns-7.6%below the national average.
$15
$601
$2,603
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in Albuquerque is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries in this sector have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, inflation, and increased demand for food services likely contribute to a positive, albeit modest, upward trajectory in compensation for these roles.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Albuquerque, NM
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. As experience accumulates, individuals can expect to see their salaries increase, with significant percentile gaps often signifying the transition to supervisory or highly skilled positions. This advancement is a key driver for salary growth within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,490 | $12.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,423 | $11.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $30,370 | $14.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $39,038 | $18.8 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $36,340 | $17.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,230 in Albuquerque aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Food Preparation Worker's salary in Albuquerque is comparable to that of a worker earning the national average in a similarly priced region, offering stable financial footing for residents.
Job Market Context
3,260
Total Jobs
8.125
Per 1K Jobs
1.41
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.41, Albuquerque, NM has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Preparation Workers roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.41, Albuquerque demonstrates a notable concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs relative to the national landscape. This suggests that the job market here is more abundant in these roles than the average U.S. city, potentially offering more opportunities for employment and career advancement within this specific field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,520↓ 5% | 29 mi |
| Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area Food Preparation Workers Salary | $29,450↓ 6% | 29 mi |
| Santa Fe, NM Food Preparation Workers Salary | $35,740↑ 14% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Albuquerque, NM
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Albuquerque, NM?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Albuquerque, NM is $31,230. This typically ranges from $26,490 for entry-level positions to $36,340 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Albuquerque, NM is 7.6% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Albuquerque, NM a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $31,230 is below the national average of $33,810, indicating a slightly less lucrative market.
Is Albuquerque, NM a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
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 ($29,520) and Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area.
How does Albuquerque's job market compare nationally for Food Preparation Workers?
Albuquerque has a higher concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs than the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.41, suggesting a stronger local demand.
What is the average salary for a Food Preparation Worker in Albuquerque?
The average annual salary for a Food Preparation Worker in Albuquerque, NM is $31,230.
How does the cost of living in Albuquerque affect salary perception?
Albuquerque's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $31,230 salary has average purchasing power compared to the national median.
What does the Location Quotient of 1.41 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.41 signifies that Food Preparation Worker jobs are 41% more concentrated in Albuquerque than the national average, implying a potentially more robust job market for this profession.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,260 employees in the Albuquerque, NM area with a job density of 8.125 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Preparation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Albuquerque, NM