Creative & Education Roswell, NM Pop. 48,422

Chef Salary in Roswell, New Mexico

The median chef salary in Roswell, NM is $46,346 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 11.8% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$46,346
vs State Avg
$-6,218
vs National
$-10,174
Cost of Living
82%

Chef Pay in Roswell: What to Expect (2026)

Roswell offers a median chef salary of $46,346, which is $6,218 below the New Mexico state average of $52,564. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Roswell pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Roswell's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $46,346 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Roswell an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chefs in Roswell spans from $27,224 at the 10th percentile to $80,196 at the 90th percentile — a $52,972 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,700, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,160. Roswell is a smaller market (pop. 48,422), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chef Salary in Roswell by Experience

In Roswell, an entry-level chef earns around $28,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,700
$-6,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,920
$-10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,160
$-15,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Roswell, NM

Percentile Roswell
10th Percentile $27,224
25th Percentile $34,604
Median (50th) $46,346
75th Percentile $61,500
90th Percentile $80,196

Chef Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

How to Become a Chef in Roswell

Education

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

Find Chef Jobs in Roswell

Browse open chef positions in Roswell, NM:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Roswell

How much does a Chef make in Roswell, NM? ▼
The median chef salary in Roswell, New Mexico is $46,346 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $27,224 (10th percentile) to $80,196 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Roswell? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,346, a chef in Roswell earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Roswell compare to the New Mexico state average for chef pay? ▼
Roswell's median chef salary of $46,346 is 11.8% below the New Mexico state average of $52,564. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Roswell, NM? ▼
Roswell has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $46,346 in Roswell has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Roswell? ▼
Most chef positions in Roswell 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.