📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in New Mexico (2026)

New Mexico · 12.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$54,560
per year
Median
$46,974
per year
Hourly
$26.23
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$32,466
25th Percentile — Junior$44,132
50th Percentile — Median$46,974
75th Percentile — Senior$70,379
90th Percentile — Top Earners$80,847
💡 Top-earning Chefs and Head Cookss in New Mexico make up to $80,847 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
$44.8k
2021
$46.6k
2022
$48.5k
2023
$50.4k
2024
$52.5k
2025
$54.6k
2026
📈 Chefs and Head Cooks salaries in New Mexico have followed the national trend with 4.0% annual growth. The strong presence 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 $47,467 -13.0% Medium
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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 $54,560 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 $32,466–$44,132, while experienced Chefs and Head Cookss can command $70,379–$80,847.

Looking ahead, the Chefs and Head Cooks profession in New Mexico is projected to grow at 4.0% 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 $54,560 per year in 2026, which is 12.0% below the national average of $62,000.
  • 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 $54,560/year, New Mexico Chefs and Head Cooks salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average of $62,000/year.