Food Preparation Workers pay in Albuquerque
In Albuquerque (NM), the median pay for food preparation workers is $16.53 an hour ($34,380 a year). About 2,570 people work in this job there.
That is 3% lower than the U.S. median ($35,320). It is 3% higher than the New Mexico median ($33,370).
Pay range for food preparation workers in Albuquerque (NM)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $13.12 | $27,290 |
| 25% of workers | $14.18 | $29,500 |
| Half of workers (median) | $16.53 | $34,380 |
| 75% of workers | $17.43 | $36,250 |
| 90% of workers | $18.42 | $38,320 |
Food Preparation Workers pay in New Mexico metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe | $36,120 | 560 |
| Albuquerque (this page) | $34,380 | 2,570 |
| Las Cruces | $32,360 | 830 |
| Farmington | $31,030 | 320 |
New Mexico unemployment rate: 4.7% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for food preparation workers
- Typical education to start: No formal educational credential (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 3 to 6 months (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Short-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: -3% over ten years, declining · about 135,700 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Albuquerque (NM)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $29,140 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $35,190 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $30,360 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $37,740 |
Other job titles for this job
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.