Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area
In the Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area, Food Preparation Workers can expect an average annual salary of $29,520. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, reflecting the unique economic dynamics and potentially lower demand for these roles in non-metropolitan regions. The compensation is directly influenced by the localized job market and the specific economic conditions prevalent in this part of the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $29,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,290.
- Outlook: The Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area supports a workforce of 1,990 Food Preparation Workers, indicating a substantial presence in the local economy. With a Location Quotient of 2.11, this region shows a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a robust demand and a specialized labor market for food preparation services that outpaces national trends.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area earns-12.7%below the national average.
$14.2
$568
$2,460
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Food Preparation Workers in Eastern New Mexico have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory, though potentially modest, would reflect an increasing cost of living and a sustained demand for essential food service roles within the region.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. As experience is gained, individuals can expect their salaries to increase, with higher percentiles representing greater expertise and responsibility. The salary distribution, though not detailed here, would show a widening gap between the lowest and highest earners, signifying opportunities for advancement and higher earning potential for seasoned professionals.
| 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) | $22,140 | $10.6 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,330 | $13.6 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $36,900 | $17.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $35,290 | $17 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$29,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$29,520
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $29,520 in Eastern New Mexico aligns precisely with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, as the cost of essential goods and services is also at par.
Job Market Context
1,990
Total Jobs
12.143
Per 1K Jobs
2.11
Location Quotient
Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area has 2.1x the national concentration of Food Preparation Workers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 2.11 for Food Preparation Workers in Eastern New Mexico signifies a substantial concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This indicates that the region has a higher proportion of these roles, suggesting a strong local demand and potentially fewer workers competing for each available position compared to national benchmarks.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM Food Preparation Workers Salary | $31,230↑ 6% | 29 mi |
| Santa Fe, NM Food Preparation Workers Salary | $35,740↑ 21% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area is $29,520. This typically ranges from $26,490 for entry-level positions to $35,290 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area is 12.7% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place.The average salary of $29,520 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower pay indicates less financial advantage compared to other regions.
Is Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Albuquerque, NM ($31,230) and Santa Fe, NM.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 1,990 suggests a stable, albeit specialized, job market for Food Preparation Workers. The high concentration (LQ 2.11) indicates demand often outstrips supply within this specific region.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.11 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 2.11 means there are more than twice the national average number of Food Preparation Worker jobs per capita in Eastern New Mexico. This suggests strong local demand and potentially better opportunities for employment.
How does the cost of living impact the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $29,520 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary. This means your earnings will stretch as far locally as the national average earnings do nationwide.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for this role in Eastern New Mexico?
Yes, with 12.143 jobs per 1,000 workers, Eastern New Mexico has a higher density of Food Preparation Worker positions compared to the national average, indicating a significant presence of these roles in the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,990 employees in the Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 12.143 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 Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area