New Mexico Salaries 2025
National laboratories hub with Southwest affordability
Median Household Income
New Mexico Salary Overview 2025
New Mexico presents a study in contrasts: world-class national laboratories paying top-tier scientific salaries exist alongside high poverty rates and limited private sector opportunities. The state's median household income of $54,000 is below the national average, but the cost of living (91 index) and unique cultural offerings create genuine value for the right careers.
Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories are the state's economic anchors—premier DOE facilities conducting nuclear weapons research, national security work, and cutting-edge science. These labs offer federal contractor salaries competitive with anywhere in the nation while enjoying New Mexico's lower costs.
Beyond the labs, New Mexico offers affordable living, rich Native American and Hispanic cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and artistic communities (particularly Santa Fe). Healthcare and government provide stable employment. The state struggles with economic development outside these sectors but offers exceptional quality of life for those with appropriate employment. For comprehensive salary data, see salary trends 2025.
New Mexico Salary Snapshot
| Metric | New Mexico | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $54,000 | $74,580 |
| Mean Household Income | $72,500 | $97,300 |
| Per Capita Income | $30,500 | $37,638 |
| Minimum Wage (2025) | $12.00/hr | $7.25/hr (federal) |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 100 |
| Top Income Tax Rate | 5.9% | Varies |
Salaries by New Mexico Region
Los Alamos – National Lab Town
Median Household Income: $115,000
Los Alamos is essentially a company town built around Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), birthplace of the atomic bomb and still a premier nuclear research facility. Scientists and engineers earn $90,000-$200,000+, with security clearances commanding premiums. The town has excellent schools, low crime, and mountain setting—but limited amenities and isolated location. Housing ($400,000 median) is expensive by NM standards but affordable for salaries.
Albuquerque – State's Largest City
Median Household Income: $58,000
Albuquerque is New Mexico's economic center with Sandia National Laboratories, Kirtland Air Force Base, Intel manufacturing, and healthcare (Presbyterian, UNM Hospital). Scientists at Sandia $85,000-$180,000, tech workers $70,000-$130,000, healthcare competitive. Very affordable housing ($320,000 median) with urban amenities, good weather, and mountain access.
Santa Fe – Capital & Arts Hub
Median Household Income: $62,000
Santa Fe combines state government, tourism, and renowned arts/gallery scene. Wealthy retirees and second-home owners create service economy. Housing is expensive ($550,000 median) relative to incomes—many workers commute from surrounding areas. Government positions follow state scales; arts and tourism create variable income.
Las Cruces
Median Household Income: $45,000
New Mexico State University and White Sands Missile Range drive the economy. Very affordable ($260,000 median home). Limited professional opportunities but pleasant climate and border culture.
| Region | Median Income | Median Home | Key Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Alamos | $115,000 | $400,000 | LANL (Nuclear Research) |
| Albuquerque | $58,000 | $320,000 | Sandia, Intel, Healthcare |
| Santa Fe | $62,000 | $550,000 | Government, Tourism, Arts |
| Las Cruces | $45,000 | $260,000 | Education, Military |
Top Paying Industries in New Mexico
National Laboratories (LANL & Sandia)
Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories are New Mexico's premier employers, conducting nuclear weapons research, national security work, supercomputing, and advanced science. PhD scientists $100,000-$200,000+, engineers $85,000-$160,000, postdocs $65,000-$85,000, technicians $50,000-$80,000. Security clearances (Q or L) required for most positions and command 10-20% premiums. Benefits are excellent; job security strong with long-term DOE contracts.
Aerospace & Defense
Kirtland Air Force Base, White Sands Missile Range, and defense contractors create aerospace employment. Spaceport America adds commercial space. Engineers $80,000-$140,000, cleared professionals higher. Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic have tested in New Mexico.
Technology (Intel)
Intel's Rio Rancho fabrication facility employs 2,000+ manufacturing semiconductors. Process engineers $80,000-$130,000, technicians $45,000-$75,000. The facility has faced expansion/contraction cycles but remains a major employer.
Healthcare
Presbyterian Healthcare, UNM Health, and regional systems serve the state. Physicians $250,000-$400,000+ (rural areas offer significant incentives), nurses $60,000-$82,000. Healthcare provides stable employment statewide.
| Industry | Entry Level | Mid-Career | Senior Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Labs (Scientists) | $85,000 | $130,000 | $190,000+ |
| Aerospace Engineering | $70,000 | $100,000 | $145,000+ |
| Semiconductor (Intel) | $65,000 | $95,000 | $135,000+ |
| Healthcare (Physicians) | $250,000 | $320,000 | $400,000+ |
New Mexico Tax Analysis
State Income Tax Brackets
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $5,500 | 1.7% |
| $5,501 – $11,000 | 3.2% |
| $11,001 – $16,000 | 4.7% |
| $16,001 – $210,000 | 4.9% |
| $210,001+ | 5.9% |
New Mexico's taxes are moderate—lower than Colorado and California, comparable to Arizona.
| Salary | NM Tax | CO Tax (4.4%) | AZ Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | ~$3,400 | $3,300 | ~$1,900 |
| $100,000 | ~$4,600 | $4,400 | ~$2,500 |
| $150,000 | ~$7,100 | $6,600 | ~$3,750 |
Property Tax: New Mexico property taxes average 0.67%—among the nation's lowest.
Gross Receipts Tax: New Mexico uses gross receipts tax instead of sales tax—5-9% depending on location.
New Mexico Cost of Living
| Expense | New Mexico | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Index | 85 | 100 |
| Median Home Price | $310,000 | $420,000 |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,100 | $1,400 |
| Groceries Index | 96 | 100 |
| Utilities Index | 95 | 100 |
Lab scientists earning $130,000 in New Mexico enjoy purchasing power equivalent to $170,000+ in San Francisco or $150,000 in Denver.
Highest Paying Jobs in New Mexico 2025
| Occupation | Average Salary | Top 10% Earn |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians/Surgeons | $270,000 | $400,000+ |
| Nuclear Scientists (Labs) | $150,000 | $210,000+ |
| IT Directors | $130,000 | $175,000+ |
| Aerospace Engineers | $110,000 | $150,000+ |
| Pharmacists | $115,000 | $140,000+ |
| Software Engineers | $95,000 | $135,000+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the national labs worth pursuing?
For scientists and engineers, absolutely. LANL and Sandia offer cutting-edge research, competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and job security. Combined with New Mexico's low costs, lab positions create exceptional value. The clearance process takes 6-18 months; past issues may disqualify.
What's life like in Los Alamos?
Small town (13,000) on a mesa at 7,300 feet. Excellent schools, low crime, mountain recreation. Limited dining/entertainment—many travel to Santa Fe (35 miles) for amenities. Intellectual community centered on the lab. Not for everyone, but those who fit love it.
Is Albuquerque a good choice?
For Southwest living with urban amenities at affordable prices, yes. Sandia Labs and Intel provide technical employment. Good weather (300+ sunny days), mountain access, and cultural offerings. The city has crime challenges in certain areas—research neighborhoods carefully.
How limited is the private sector?
Outside the labs, Intel, and healthcare, quite limited. Tech startups exist but not at scale. Many talented New Mexicans leave for better opportunities elsewhere. Those employed by labs, healthcare, or remote work find excellent quality of life; others may struggle.