Creative & Education Santa Fe, NM Pop. 87,505

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.

City Median
$62,172
vs State Avg
+$9,608
vs National
+$5,652
Cost of Living
110%

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.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,500
+$3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,600
+$5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,800
+$8,800 vs national

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

Albuquerque, NM
$53,694
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$51,998
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$49,738
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$46,346
Pop. 48,422

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

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 Santa Fe may vary based on local industry and population growth.