New Mexico ranks 42nd of 51 states and D.C. for food preparation workers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,950) by $9,600 — a 33% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $26,490 to $36,340 — a $9,850 spread, 53% tighter than the national $20,770 range.
Food Preparation Workers are more concentrated in New Mexico than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.68 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.68× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $26,490 | $12.74 |
| 25th percentile | $27,460 | $13.20 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $29,350 | $14.11 |
| 75th percentile | $33,830 | $16.27 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $36,340 | $17.47 |
| Mean (average) | $30,840 | $14.83 |
How New Mexico Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. New Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico (current) | $29,350 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,950 | +33% |
| Colorado | $38,670 | +32% |
| District of Columbia | $38,440 | +31% |
| California | $38,150 | +30% |
| Massachusetts | $37,780 | +29% |
| Hawaii | $37,240 | +27% |
| Vermont | $37,030 | +26% |
| Alaska | $36,710 | +25% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in New Mexico
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Cashiers | $29,230 | 19,790 |
| Dishwashers | $29,490 | 2,980 |
| Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse | $29,690 | 1,670 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $28,970 | 3,320 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $29,750 | 1,100 |
| Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $29,760 | 5,400 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in New Mexico?
The mean food preparation workers salary in New Mexico is $30,840 per year. The median (middle) salary is $29,350 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in New Mexico?
Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in New Mexico typically earn around $26,490 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $27,460 per year.
What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in New Mexico?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in New Mexico make approximately $36,340 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $33,830 per year.
How does the New Mexico Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median food preparation workers salary in New Mexico is $29,350, which is -14% below national average of $34,220.