Chef Salary in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The median chef salary in Santa Fe, NM is $62,172 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 18.3% above the New Mexico state average.
Chef Pay in Santa Fe: What to Expect (2026)
Santa Fe offers a median chef salary of $62,172, which is $9,608 above the New Mexico state average of $52,564. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Santa Fe pays above average for this role.
Santa Fe's cost of living is 110% 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 Santa Fe spans from $36,520 at the 10th percentile to $107,580 at the 90th percentile — a $71,060 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,500, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,800. Santa Fe is a smaller market (pop. 87,505), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Chef Salary in Santa Fe by Experience
In Santa Fe, an entry-level chef earns around $38,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Santa Fe, NM
| Percentile | Santa Fe |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $36,520 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,420 |
| Median (50th) | $62,172 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $107,580 |
Chef Salary in Other New Mexico Cities
How to Become a Chef in Santa Fe
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Santa Fe and the surrounding New Mexico area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Santa Fe may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Santa Fe
Browse open chef positions in Santa Fe, NM: