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

Santa Fe, NM
$62,172
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$53,694
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$51,998
Pop. 104,046
Roswell, NM
$46,346
Pop. 48,422

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.

Find Chef Jobs in Las Cruces

Browse open chef positions in Las Cruces, NM:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a Chef make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
The median chef salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico is $49,738 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $29,216 (10th percentile) to $86,064 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Las Cruces? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,738, a chef in Las Cruces earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Las Cruces compare to the New Mexico state average for chef pay? ▼
Las Cruces's median chef salary of $49,738 is 5.4% below the New Mexico state average of $52,564. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
Las Cruces has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $49,738 in Las Cruces has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Las Cruces? ▼
Most chef positions in Las Cruces require a high school diploma. Key skills include Culinary Arts, Menu Planning, Food Safety, Kitchen Management. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.