Pastry Chef Salary in Santa Fe, NM
Pastry Chefs in Santa Fe, NM, in 2025, earn approximately $33.00 per hour, which translates to about $1,320.00 per week, $5,720.00 per month, and $68,640.00 per year.
The demand for Pastry Chefs in Santa Fe is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating a positive outlook for job opportunities and a flourishing culinary scene in the area.
How Much Does a Pastry Chef Make in Santa Fe, NM?
The salary of a Pastry Chef in Santa Fe can vary depending on experience and employer, but below is a general overview of earnings across experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $28.00 | $1,120.00 | $4,853.33 | $58,240.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $33.00 | $1,320.00 | $5,720.00 | $68,640.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $38.00 | $1,520.00 | $6,573.33 | $78,960.00 |
Do Pastry Chefs in Santa Fe Earn Tips?
Pastry Chefs generally do not earn tips as their duties focus on preparing desserts and bakery items behind the scenes without direct customer interaction. Their compensation comes primarily from their hourly or salaried wages.
Pastry Chef Salary in Santa Fe vs. National Average
Nationally, Pastry Chefs earn an average of about $33.00 per hour and $68,640.00 per year.
Pastry Chefs in Santa Fe have salaries that closely match the national average, reflecting the city's culinary demand and cost of living factors.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Santa Fe for Pastry Chefs
Nearby locations offer somewhat higher pay rates for Pastry Chefs:
- Downtown: $35.00 per hour
- Historic Eastside: $36.00 per hour
Working in these areas near Santa Fe can provide Pastry Chefs with marginally better compensation.
What Influences a Pastry Chef’s Salary in Santa Fe?
Several factors can influence the salary of a Pastry Chef in Santa Fe, including:
- Experience and Skill Level: More experienced Pastry Chefs who master advanced techniques and specialty desserts typically earn higher wages.
- Type of Establishment: Working in upscale hotels, resorts, or fine dining restaurants often leads to better pay compared to casual bakeries or cafes.
- Education and Certifications: Formal culinary education and certifications can improve job prospects and salary potential.
- Reputation and Specialty: Pastry Chefs known for unique or artisanal pastries may command premium compensation.
- Working Hours and Roles: Supervisory roles or those requiring flexibility for holidays and weekends may offer higher hourly rates.
How To Become a Pastry Chef in Santa Fe
To pursue a career as a Pastry Chef in Santa Fe, consider these steps:
- Enroll in culinary training programs such as the Santa Fe Community College Culinary Arts Program, which offers comprehensive training including pastry techniques to prepare students for professional roles.
- Earn food safety certifications like the ServSafe Certification, essential for meeting industry health standards.
- Gain practical experience by working in bakeries, restaurants, or hotels to develop skills in various pastry methods.
- Build a strong portfolio showcasing your pastry creations to attract employers and clients.
Top Employers Hiring Pastry Chefs in Santa Fe
Notable employers looking for skilled Pastry Chefs in Santa Fe include:
- La Fonda on the Plaza
- Inn and Spa at Loretto
- The Shed
Establishments That Pastry Chefs in Santa Fe Work At
Pastry Chefs in Santa Fe typically find jobs in diverse settings such as:
- Luxury hotels and resorts: These establishments often pay higher salaries due to expectations of quality and originality.
- Fine dining restaurants: Employ skilled Pastry Chefs to develop signature dessert menus, often offering competitive compensation.
- Bakeries and cafes: Provide steady work, though salaries may be lower than in upscale venues.
- Catering companies and event venues: Pastry Chefs here handle large-scale production and seasonal events, affecting salary variability.
The type of establishment directly impacts the earning potential and career growth for Pastry Chefs in the Santa Fe area.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Santa Fe for Pastry Chefs
For those interested in similar roles within the hospitality and culinary field, here are related positions commonly found in Santa Fe:
These include Pastry Cook, Baker, and Chef roles, which share overlaps in skills and culinary environments.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Pastry Chefs in Santa Fe
It's important for Pastry Chefs to understand the labor laws and tax regulations that affect their employment in Santa Fe.
- For federal labor regulations, you can visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- Information specific to New Mexico state labor laws and employment guidelines is available on the New Mexico government website.