Prep Cook Salary in Santa Fe, NM
Prep Cooks in Santa Fe, NM, in 2025, earn approximately $18.15 per hour, which translates to about $726.00 per week, $3,146.00 per month, and $37,752.00 per year.
The job demand for Prep Cooks in Santa Fe is increasing steadily with a 5% growth per year, indicating positive opportunities and expansion in the foodservice industry in this area.
How Much Does a Prep Cook Make in Santa Fe, NM?
The salary of a Prep Cook in Santa Fe varies depending on experience and skill level. Below is a breakdown of earnings for different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $15.00 | $600.00 | $2,600.00 | $31,200.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $18.15 | $726.00 | $3,146.00 | $37,752.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $31.98 | $1,279.20 | $5,529.60 | $66,355.20 |
Do Prep Cooks in Santa Fe Earn Tips?
Prep Cooks generally do not earn tips as they work primarily in the kitchen preparing ingredients and assisting chefs, without direct customer interaction. Therefore, their earnings mostly come from their salary or hourly wage.
Prep Cook Salary in Santa Fe vs. National Average
Nationally, Prep Cooks earn an average of around $15.67 per hour, equivalent to about $32,593.60 per year.
Compared to the national average, Prep Cooks in Santa Fe earn a higher hourly wage and annual salary with approximately $18.15 per hour and $37,752 per year.
This difference is likely influenced by local cost of living, regional demand, and culinary culture in Santa Fe.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Santa Fe for Prep Cooks
Nearby areas offer slightly varying pay rates for Prep Cooks:
- Downtown: $19.50 per hour
- South Capitol: $18.75 per hour
Those working Downtown Santa Fe may find higher earning potential compared to South Capitol, reflecting the diversity of establishments and clientele.
What Influences a Prep Cook’s Salary in Santa Fe?
Several factors influence the salary of a Prep Cook in Santa Fe:
- Experience and Technical Skills: More experienced Prep Cooks with skills in knife handling, ingredient preparation, and efficient kitchen workflow tend to earn more.
- Type of Establishment: Upscale restaurants, catering companies, and hotels may pay higher wages compared to fast casual or smaller eateries.
- Certifications and Training: Culinary certifications or food safety knowledge can raise earning potential.
- Shift and Hours: Some establishments pay premium wages for evening, weekend, or holiday shifts.
- Local Economic Factors: Santa Fe’s culinary tourism and cost of living contribute to wage structures.
How To Become a Prep Cook in Santa Fe
Embarking on a career as a Prep Cook in Santa Fe can be smoother with proper preparation and training.
- Enroll in Culinary Programs: Institutions such as Santa Fe Community College Culinary Arts Program offer comprehensive hands-on training and theoretical culinary knowledge.
- Explore Specialty Programs: The Institute of American Indian Arts Culinary Program provides specialized education focusing on indigenous cuisines and modern techniques, which can be advantageous.
- Obtain Certifications: Earning certifications like the ServSafe Food Handler Certification demonstrates food safety competency and is often required.
- Licenses for Additional Roles: If working in places serving alcohol, the New Mexico Alcohol Server Permit is necessary.
- Gain Practical Experience: Working in kitchens as a helper or kitchen assistant provides valuable exposure essential for growth.
Top Employers Hiring Prep Cooks in Santa Fe
Santa Fe’s vibrant food scene includes well-known employers hiring Prep Cooks:
- La Fonda on the Plaza
- The Shed
- Geronimo
- Coyote Cafe
- Santa Fe Opera
Establishments That Prep Cooks in Santa Fe Work At
Prep Cooks typically find roles in a variety of food establishments including:
- Casual Restaurants: Generally offer steady work but moderate wage scales.
- Fast-Casual Eateries: May have higher turnover but provide entry-level opportunities.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Offer higher pay rates reflecting complexity of cuisine and skills required.
- Catering Companies and Hotels: Often pay more due to volume and service demands.
Compensation can vary considerably depending on the prestige and clientele of the establishment.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Santa Fe for Prep Cooks
If you are interested in related roles within the hospitality and culinary field, consider positions that require similar skills and offer growth opportunities.
These include Line Cook, Prep Cook, and Pastry Cook positions.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Prep Cooks in Santa Fe
Understanding labor laws and tax obligations is crucial for Prep Cooks to protect their rights and comply with regulations.
- For comprehensive federal labor laws and regulations, consult the U.S. Department of Labor website.
- State-specific employment resources and labor regulations can be found at the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions.
- Local employment resources and labor information for Santa Fe are available on the official City of Santa Fe website.