Creative & Education New Mexico (NM) Rank #28 of 50

Chef Salary in New Mexico

The median chef salary in New Mexico is $52,564 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $56,520.

Median Salary
$52,564
vs National
$-3,956
State Rank
#28 of 50
Cost of Living
93%

Chef Salary in New Mexico by Experience

In New Mexico, an entry-level chef earns around $32,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,840 per year. The cost of living index in New Mexico is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,550
$-2,450 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,080
$-3,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,840
$-6,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New Mexico

Percentile NM Salary
10th Percentile $30,876
25th Percentile $39,246
Median (50th) $52,564
75th Percentile $69,750
90th Percentile $90,954

Major Cities for Chefs in New Mexico

The largest employment areas for chefs in New Mexico include Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe. Salaries in major metro areas may be higher due to increased demand and cost of living.

Albuquerque, NM
Metro area for chef employment
Las Cruces, NM
Metro area for chef employment
Rio Rancho, NM
Metro area for chef employment
Santa Fe, NM
Metro area for chef employment
Roswell, NM
Metro area for chef employment

How to Become a Chef in New Mexico

Education

Most chef positions require a high school diploma. New Mexico has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity

Job Outlook in New Mexico

Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). New Mexico's demand may vary based on local industry trends.