Food Preparation Workers Salary in Santa Fe, NM

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Santa Fe, NM

Median annual salary $34,910 +2% vs national
Median hourly $16.78
10th percentile $29,350
90th percentile $42,040
Employed locally 620
National median $34,220

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Food Preparation Workers
in
Santa Fe, NM
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $29,350
    25th
    $31,240
    50th (median)
    $34,910
    75th
    $38,080
    90th
    $42,040

    Santa Fe economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.70% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $74,689 2023 • Census ACS
    Food Preparation Workers salary vs area income 47% Median Food Preparation Workers salary is 53% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Food Preparation Workers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $44,120
    Napa, CA $43,260
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $42,830
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $41,980
    Boulder, CO $41,490
    Greeley, CO $41,340

    Nearby metros — Food Preparation Workers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area $40,220
    Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area $38,390
    Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area $38,060
    Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area $37,920
    Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area $37,330
    Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area $37,290

    Related occupations in Santa Fe, NM

    OccupationMedian salary
    Fast Food and Counter Workers $29,860
    Waiters and Waitresses $36,610
    Cooks, Restaurant $36,730
    First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $45,750
    Bartenders $39,210
    Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $31,500

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Food Preparation Workers make per hour in Santa Fe?

    The median hourly wage for Food Preparation Workers in Santa Fe, NM is $16.78, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $19.41 or more per hour.

    Is Santa Fe above or below average for Food Preparation Workers salaries?

    The median Food Preparation Workers salary in Santa Fe, NM is 2% above the national median of $34,220. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Food Preparation Workers in Santa Fe?

    Entry-level Food Preparation Workers (10th percentile) earn around $29,350 per year in Santa Fe, NM. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $31,240.