📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in New Mexico (2026)

New Mexico · 12.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$58,696
per year
Median
$54,974
per year
Hourly
$28.22
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$36,021
25th Percentile — Junior$46,697
50th Percentile — Median$54,974
75th Percentile — Senior$70,719
90th Percentile — Top Earners$79,794
💡 Top-earning Chefs and Head Cookss in New Mexico make up to $79,794 per year. The job market in New Mexico is rated moderate, with key industries including Government, Energy, Tourism.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$50.6k
2021
$52.2k
2022
$53.7k
2023
$55.3k
2024
$57.0k
2025
$58.7k
2026
📈 Chefs and Head Cooks salaries in New Mexico have followed the national trend with 3.0% annual growth. The strong demand in New Mexico's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Chefs and Head Cooks Salary by City in New Mexico
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Albuquerque $51,066 -13.0% High
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Chefs and Head Cooks Job Market in New Mexico
Key factors affecting compensation

New Mexico is home to a moderate job market for Chefs and Head Cookss. The state's key industries — Government, Energy, Tourism — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $58,696 per year, New Mexico's Chefs and Head Cooks salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in New Mexico (index: 0.88) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in New Mexico can expect to earn $36,021–$46,697, while experienced Chefs and Head Cookss can command $70,719–$79,794.

Looking ahead, the Chefs and Head Cooks profession in New Mexico is projected to grow at 3.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Government continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in New Mexico is $58,696 per year in 2026, which is 12.0% below the national average of $66,700.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Chefs and Head Cookss the highest wages in New Mexico due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • New Mexico has a moderate job market with major industries in Government, Energy, Tourism. Opportunities exist in for Chefs and Head Cooks employment.
  • At $58,696/year, New Mexico Chefs and Head Cooks salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average of $66,700/year.