Creative & Education Las Cruces, NM
Pop. 111,385
Chef Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico
The median chef salary in Las Cruces, NM is $49,738 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 5.4% below the New Mexico state average.
City Median
$49,738
vs State Avg
$-2,826
vs National
$-6,782
Cost of Living
88%
Chef Salary in Las Cruces by Experience
In Las Cruces, an entry-level chef earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,280
$-6,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,440
$-10,560 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Las Cruces, NM
| Percentile | Las Cruces |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $29,216 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,136 |
| Median (50th) | $49,738 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $86,064 |
Chef Salary in Other New Mexico Cities
How to Become a Chef in Las Cruces
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Las Cruces and the surrounding New Mexico area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity
Job Outlook
Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Las Cruces may vary based on local industry and population growth.