Food Preparation Workers Salary in Albuquerque, NM

In Albuquerque, NM, food preparation workers earn a median annual salary of $30,370 and a median hourly wage of $14.60. This is significantly lower than the national median for this occupation, which stands at $34,220. When compared to local household income in Albuquerque, where the area's median household income is $67,995, the earnings of food preparation workers constitute approximately 45% of that figure. This discrepancy highlights a considerable gap between the wages earned by individuals within this sector and the broader community's average household earnings.

The salary range for food preparation workers in Albuquerque indicates notable differences based on experience levels. Entry-level workers typically earn closer to the 10th percentile, with salaries around $26,490 annually, reflecting their limited skills and experience. Conversely, more experienced workers may reach or exceed the 75th percentile, earning up to $34,240 per year. The disparity in earnings is driven primarily by factors such as tenure, skill proficiency, performance, and the specific demands of the employer’s location within Albuquerque. As workers gain experience and possibly additional certifications or skills relevant to food preparation, their potential for higher wages increases accordingly.