New Mexico Culinary Careers: From Executive Chef to Restaurant Manager

New Mexico's cost of living is in line with the national average, and the statewide unemployment rate has been slightly lower than the national rate. For the approximately 88,600 leisure and hospitality industry workers in New Mexico, culinary careers are most likely to be found in larger cities such as Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and Santa Fe.

Culinary arts schools prepare students in New Mexico for a range of culinary and hospitality careers, including positions as executive chefs, sous chefs, pastry chefs, caterers, and restaurant and hotel managers. According to Salary.com, executive chefs in Albuquerque earn between $44,099 and $98,593 annually. Restaurant managers in Albuquerque may expect to earn between $27,964 and $59,786, based upon experience and restaurant.

No chef training school can guarantee a particular career or salary, but restaurant hiring managers often prefer to see formal training on a chef's resume, particularly for managerial positions such as executive chef.

New Mexico Culinary Options Please Both Locals and Tourists

Another option for potential chefs and restaurant and hotel management workers in New Mexico is the state's tourist attractions, including ski and spa destinations such as Taos. The city of Taos boasts over 50 restaurants, serving cuisines ranging from green chile burgers to buffalo steak. Salary.com reports that executive chefs in Santa Fe earn between $44,238 and $98,904 annually.

Visitors and residents in New Mexico crave local favorites, such as tamales, enchiladas, chile rellenos and posole. New Mexico's creative culinary arts industry draws students into local schools to learn the range of techniques necessary for the state's restaurants.

Featured Schools

Le Cordon Bleu Schools of North America

Bring Your Fire to the Plate. Le Cordon Bleu. Learn the Way.

Campus Locations:

Scottsdale
Orlando

Programs:

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Scottsdale - Certificate in Culinary Arts
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Orlando - 12 Month Certificate in Culinary Arts

Auguste Escoffier Schools of Culinary Arts

Fire up your new career with Auguste Escoffier Schools of Culinary Arts. We offer three programs for careers in the culinary industry, including culinary arts, pastry arts, as well as a chef track.

Campus Locations: