New Mexico ranks 38th of 51 states and D.C. for cooks, institution and cafeteria pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($48,260) by $14,020 — a 41% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $27,550 to $41,600 — a $14,050 spread, 35% tighter than the national $21,520 range.
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria are more concentrated in New Mexico than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.46 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.46× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $27,550 | $13.25 |
| 25th percentile | $30,330 | $14.58 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $34,240 | $16.46 |
| 75th percentile | $36,580 | $17.59 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $41,600 | $20.00 |
| Mean (average) | $34,460 | $16.57 |
How New Mexico Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. New Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico (current) | $34,240 | n/a |
| Washington | $48,260 | +41% |
| Hawaii | $47,250 | +38% |
| Alaska | $46,900 | +37% |
| Massachusetts | $46,280 | +35% |
| Connecticut | $45,870 | +34% |
| California | $45,680 | +33% |
| District of Columbia | $45,600 | +33% |
| Rhode Island | $45,450 | +33% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in New Mexico
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Workers | $34,240 | 3,460 |
| Sewing Machine Operators | $34,230 | 210 |
| Receptionists and Information Clerks | $34,320 | 5,370 |
| Parts Salespersons | $34,340 | 1,720 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $34,110 | 8,730 |
| Bakers | $34,010 | 1,130 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in New Mexico?
The mean cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in New Mexico is $34,460 per year. The median (middle) salary is $34,240 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria in New Mexico?
Entry-level cooks, institution and cafeterias (10th percentile) in New Mexico typically earn around $27,550 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $30,330 per year.
What is the highest Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary in New Mexico?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in New Mexico make approximately $41,600 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $36,580 per year.
How does the New Mexico Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria salary compare to the national average?
The median cooks, institution and cafeteria salary in New Mexico is $34,240, which is -6% below national average of $36,450.