Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Las Cruces, NM
Food Preparation Workers in Las Cruces, NM, earn an average annual salary of $30,810. This figure is slightly below the national average of $33,810, reflecting localized economic factors and demand within the New Mexico region. While the nominal pay may differ, the cost of living in Las Cruces aligns perfectly with the national benchmark, offering a balanced perspective on earning potential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,810 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $34,300.
- Outlook: The Las Cruces job market for Food Preparation Workers is notably concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 2.58, indicating a significantly higher presence of these roles compared to the national average. Supporting a local workforce of 1,160 individuals, this concentration suggests robust demand and a potentially stable job outlook for those in this profession within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Food Preparation Workers in Las Cruces, NM earns-8.9%below the national average.
$14.8
$593
$2,568
Food Preparation Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Food Preparation Workers in Las Cruces is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within this sector have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This steady, albeit modest, upward trajectory in compensation is typical for roles that are essential to the local service economy.
Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Las Cruces, NM
Career progression for Food Preparation Workers in Las Cruces typically involves a salary increase with accumulated experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles can command higher salaries, reflecting increased responsibility and skill. The variance in pay across different experience levels signifies clear opportunities for career advancement within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $26,060 | $12.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $23,108 | $11.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $31,390 | $15.1 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $38,513 | $18.5 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $34,300 | $16.5 |
Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,810
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,810
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $30,810 for Food Preparation Workers in Las Cruces, NM, is directly comparable to the national average cost of living, which stands at an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Las Cruces is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the nominal salary provides a standard of living consistent with most other areas in the United States.
Job Market Context
1,160
Total Jobs
14.85
Per 1K Jobs
2.58
Location Quotient
Las Cruces, NM has 2.6x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 2.58, Las Cruces, NM, exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Food Preparation Workers than the national average. This suggests a robust and potentially competitive market where employers may rely heavily on local talent, and job seekers could find a good number of opportunities relative to other professions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| El Paso, TX Food Preparation Workers Salary | $25,590↓ 17% | 39 mi |
Comparing salaries near Las Cruces, NM
Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Las Cruces, NM?
The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Las Cruces, NM is $30,810. This typically ranges from $26,060 for entry-level positions to $34,300 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Las Cruces, NM is 8.9% lower than the national median of $33,810.
Is Las Cruces, NM a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workerss?
No, but it offers average purchasing power.While the average salary of $30,810 is below the national average, the cost of living in Las Cruces is exactly at the national average. This means your earnings will have average purchasing power locally.
Is Las Cruces, NM a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?
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 ($25,590) and others.
How does the Las Cruces Food Preparation Worker salary compare to the national average?
Food Preparation Workers in Las Cruces earn an average of $30,810 annually, which is $3,000 less than the national average of $33,810.
What is the concentration of Food Preparation Workers in Las Cruces?
Las Cruces has a high concentration of Food Preparation Workers, indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.58, meaning the profession is more than twice as common there compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Las Cruces affect the salary?
The cost of living in Las Cruces is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $30,810 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What is the total number of Food Preparation Workers in Las Cruces?
There are approximately 1,160 Food Preparation Workers employed in Las Cruces, NM.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,160 employees in the Las Cruces, NM area with a job density of 14.85 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 Las Cruces, NM