Cook Salary in Albuquerque, NM
Cooks in Albuquerque, NM, in 2025, earn approximately $16.37 per hour, which translates to about $654.80 per week, $2,837.47 per month, and $34,049.60 per year.
The employment outlook for Cooks in Albuquerque is positive, with a healthy growth rate of 6% per year. This suggests that the demand for Cooks in the region is on the rise, presenting improving job opportunities.
How Much Does a Cook Make in Albuquerque, NM?
The salary of a Cook in Albuquerque varies based on experience, skills, and employer type. Here's a breakdown of typical earnings across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $12.00 | $480.00 | $2,080.00 | $24,960.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $16.37 | $654.80 | $2,837.47 | $34,049.60 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $24.69 | $987.60 | $4,274.47 | $51,355.20 |
Do Cooks in Albuquerque Earn Tips?
Cooks typically do not earn tips, as their primary role is food preparation behind the scenes. Most of their income comes from wages rather than gratuities.
Cook Salary in Albuquerque vs. National Average
Nationally, the average hourly wage for a Cook is about $16.37 per hour, with an annual average salary of approximately $34,049.60.
Cooks in Albuquerque closely match the national average in earnings, indicating that local pay rates are competitive within the U.S. market.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Albuquerque for Cooks
Nearby areas offer varying pay rates for Cooks:
- Santa Fe: $18.95 per hour
- Bernalillo: $17.27 per hour
Cooks employed in Santa Fe tend to earn higher wages compared to Albuquerque, reflecting perhaps local economic differences or demand.
What Influences a Cook’s Salary in Albuquerque?
Several key factors influence how much a Cook can earn in Albuquerque:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Cooks or those with specialized culinary skills tend to command higher pay.
- Type of Establishment: Salaries vary widely between casual diners, fast food chains, upscale restaurants, and catering companies.
- Shift and Work Hours: Night or weekend shifts may offer additional pay incentives.
- Certifications and Training: Cooks with formal culinary education or certifications often have better salary prospects.
- Local Market Demand: Economic growth and demand for dining services influence wages regionally.
How To Become a Cook in Albuquerque
Becoming a Cook in Albuquerque involves gaining both education and practical experience. Here are some steps to consider:
- Complete Culinary Education Programs: Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) offers ACFEFAC-accredited associate degrees in Culinary Arts and certificates in Culinary Fundamentals and Food Service Management. Navajo Technical University also provides an ACFEFAC-accredited associate degree in Culinary Arts and certificates in Professional Cooking.
- Earn Professional Certifications: Certifications from the American Culinary Federation (ACF) such as Certified Culinarian (CC), as well as credentials from the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS), can boost employability and salary potential.
- Gain Hands-On Experience: Entry-level positions or internships in kitchens help build valuable cooking skills.
- Develop a Solid Work Ethic and Team Skills: Success as a Cook requires reliability, speed, and collaboration in busy kitchen environments.
Top Employers Hiring Cooks in Albuquerque
Several notable employers in Albuquerque frequently hire Cooks, including:
- The Grove Cafe & Market
- Antiquity Restaurant
- Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm
Establishments That Cooks in Albuquerque Work At
Cooks in Albuquerque typically find employment across a range of establishments:
- Casual Dining Restaurants: Often provide steady hours with moderate pay scales.
- Fast Casual Restaurants: Focus on quick service and volume, which sometimes means entry-level wages but opportunities for advancement.
- Fine Dining Establishments: Where experienced cooks can command higher salaries due to skill level and clientele expectations.
- Hotels and Catering Services: These can offer more consistent hours and often higher compensation tied to events and special catering jobs.
Each establishment type impacts the salary a Cook might earn by the complexity of dishes prepared, pace of work, and customer expectations.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Albuquerque for Cooks
If you are considering similar roles to Cook, several related hospitality positions offer alternative career paths and opportunities.
These include Commis Chef, Fry Cook, and Line Cook, which involve related cooking responsibilities and skills in kitchen environments.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Cooks in Albuquerque
Understanding labor laws and tax requirements is essential for Cooks to ensure fair employment practices and compliance.
- Refer to the Federal website for labor laws and regulations for comprehensive information.
- For state-specific regulations and resources, visit the State of New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions.