Creative & Education Rio Rancho, NM Pop. 104,046

Chef Salary in Rio Rancho, New Mexico

The median chef salary in Rio Rancho, NM is $51,998 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 1.1% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$51,998
vs State Avg
$-566
vs National
$-4,522
Cost of Living
92%

Chef Pay in Rio Rancho: What to Expect (2026)

Rio Rancho offers a median chef salary of $51,998, which is $566 below the New Mexico state average of $52,564. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Rio Rancho pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rio Rancho's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for chefs in Rio Rancho spans from $30,544 at the 10th percentile to $89,976 at the 90th percentile — a $59,432 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,200, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,960. With a population of 104,046, Rio Rancho is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chef Salary in Rio Rancho by Experience

In Rio Rancho, an entry-level chef earns around $32,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,520
$-4,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,960
$-7,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rio Rancho, NM

Percentile Rio Rancho
10th Percentile $30,544
25th Percentile $38,824
Median (50th) $51,998
75th Percentile $69,000
90th Percentile $89,976

Chef Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$62,172
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$53,694
Pop. 564,559
Las Cruces, NM
$49,738
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$46,346
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Chef in Rio Rancho

Education

Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Rio Rancho 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 Rio Rancho may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chef Jobs in Rio Rancho

Browse open chef positions in Rio Rancho, NM:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Rio Rancho

How much does a Chef make in Rio Rancho, NM? ▼
The median chef salary in Rio Rancho, New Mexico is $51,998 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $30,544 (10th percentile) to $89,976 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Rio Rancho? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,998, a chef in Rio Rancho earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rio Rancho compare to the New Mexico state average for chef pay? ▼
Rio Rancho's median chef salary of $51,998 is 1.1% below the New Mexico state average of $52,564. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rio Rancho, NM? ▼
Rio Rancho has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $51,998 in Rio Rancho has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Rio Rancho? ▼
Most chef positions in Rio Rancho 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.