New Mexico ranks 40th of 51 states and D.C. for chefs and head cooks pay, trailing top-paying Hawaii ($81,200) by $26,030 — a 47% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $43,510 to $89,030 — a $45,520 spread, 24% tighter than the national $60,030 range.
Chefs and Head Cooks are less concentrated in New Mexico than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.39 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 2.56× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $43,510 | $20.92 |
| 25th percentile | $46,080 | $22.15 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $55,170 | $26.52 |
| 75th percentile | $71,670 | $34.46 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $89,030 | $42.80 |
| Mean (average) | $60,750 | $29.21 |
How New Mexico Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. New Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico (current) | $55,170 | n/a |
| Hawaii | $81,200 | +47% |
| Rhode Island | $79,160 | +43% |
| North Dakota | $76,630 | +39% |
| District of Columbia | $74,000 | +34% |
| Massachusetts | $71,330 | +29% |
| Washington | $69,800 | +27% |
| New Jersey | $69,660 | +26% |
| California | $66,780 | +21% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in New Mexico
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | $55,020 | 1,820 |
| Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers | $55,020 | 1,100 |
| Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents | $55,350 | 180 |
| Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators | $55,410 | 410 |
| Postal Service Mail Carriers | $55,540 | 1,660 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers | $55,730 | 450 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Chefs and Head Cooks salary in New Mexico?
The mean chefs and head cooks salary in New Mexico is $60,750 per year. The median (middle) salary is $55,170 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in New Mexico?
Entry-level chefs and head cookss (10th percentile) in New Mexico typically earn around $43,510 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $46,080 per year.
What is the highest Chefs and Head Cooks salary in New Mexico?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in New Mexico make approximately $89,030 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $71,670 per year.
How does the New Mexico Chefs and Head Cooks salary compare to the national average?
The median chefs and head cooks salary in New Mexico is $55,170, which is -10% below national average of $60,990.