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Average Food Preparation Workers Salary in Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area

In the Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area, Food Preparation Workers earn an average annual salary of $29,450. This figure is notably below the national average of $33,810, reflecting the unique economic dynamics and potentially lower operational costs characteristic of nonmetropolitan regions. The specific pay scales in this area are influenced by local demand, the cost of doing business, and the overall economic landscape of the state's rural communities.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $29,450 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,120.
  • Outlook: The job market for Food Preparation Workers in Northern New Mexico appears robust, with a total local workforce of 870 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.82 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating a higher concentration of these roles relative to the general workforce. This suggests a strong local demand and a specialized labor market for food preparation services within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$29,450

The average Food Preparation Workers in Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area earns-12.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14.2

Weekly

$566

Monthly

$2,454

Food Preparation Workers Salary Distribution in Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area

Career progression for Food Preparation Workers typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior roles, often accompanied by a salary increase. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the gap between starting wages and those earned by experienced professionals generally signifies a clear path for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$25,810$12.4
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$22,088$10.6
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$28,320$13.6
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$36,813$17.7
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$36,120$17.4

Detailed Food Preparation Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$29,450

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$29,450

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $29,450 in Northern New Mexico 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 this income is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is balanced with the local wage structure.

Job Market Context

870

Total Jobs

10.489

Per 1K Jobs

1.82

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area has 1.8x 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 1.82, Northern New Mexico exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Food Preparation Worker jobs compared to the national average. This indicates a specialized and relatively abundant market for these roles, suggesting that employers may have a larger pool of local talent to draw from, potentially influencing hiring dynamics and wage negotiations.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Food Preparation Workers

Comparing salaries near Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Food Preparation Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Preparation Workers make in Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Food Preparation Workers in Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area is $29,450. This typically ranges from $25,810 for entry-level positions to $36,120 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area is 12.9% lower than the national median of $33,810.

Is Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Food Preparation Workers?

No, not in terms of higher-than-average earnings.The average salary of $29,450 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power equivalent.

Is Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Food Preparation Workers?

The Cost of Living Index in Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Albuquerque, NM ($31,230) and Santa Fe, NM.

How does the local workforce size impact job availability for Food Preparation Workers?

A local workforce of 870 suggests a stable, albeit not massive, pool of potential employees, indicating consistent demand for these roles within the region.

What does a Location Quotient of 1.82 mean for Food Preparation Workers in Northern New Mexico?

A Location Quotient of 1.82 signifies that Food Preparation Workers are more than 80% more concentrated in this area than the national average, pointing to a specialized and potentially competitive job market.

How does the cost of living in Northern New Mexico compare to the national average?

The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning that the general expenses for goods and services are on par with the rest of the country.

Are there many job opportunities for Food Preparation Workers in this region?

The high Location Quotient suggests a strong presence and demand for Food Preparation Workers relative to the general population, indicating a good number of opportunities.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 870 employees in the Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 10.489 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.