Engineering New Mexico (NM) Rank #29 of 50

Aerospace Engineer Salary in New Mexico

The median aerospace engineer salary in New Mexico is $117,998 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $126,880.

Median Salary
$117,998
vs National
$-8,882
State Rank
#29 of 50
Cost of Living
93%

Aerospace Engineer Salary Overview in New Mexico (2026)

New Mexico ranks #29 out of 50 states for aerospace engineer compensation. Aerospace Engineer salaries in New Mexico are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $117,998 per year, aerospace engineers in New Mexico earn $8,882 less than the national median of $126,880.

A key advantage of working in New Mexico is its below-average cost of living (93% of the national index). This means the $117,998 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $126,880 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in New Mexico is significant: aerospace engineers at the 10th percentile earn $72,540, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $178,560 — a $106,020 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New Mexico for this role is Santa Fe, where the median reaches $139,568.

Nationally, aerospace engineer employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for aerospace engineers across the country.

Aerospace Engineer Salary in New Mexico by Experience

In New Mexico, an entry-level aerospace engineer earns around $74,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $172,050 per year. The cost of living index in New Mexico is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$119,040
$-8,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$172,050
$-12,950 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New Mexico

Percentile NM Salary
10th Percentile $72,540
25th Percentile $93,000
Median (50th) $117,998
75th Percentile $148,800
90th Percentile $178,560

Aerospace Engineer Salary by City in New Mexico

The largest employment areas for aerospace engineers in New Mexico include Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Aerospace Engineer in New Mexico

Education

Most aerospace engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. New Mexico has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AerodynamicsCATIA/CADStructural AnalysisMATLABPropulsion SystemsFEA

Job Outlook in New Mexico

Nationally, aerospace engineer employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). New Mexico's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Aerospace Engineer Salary in New Mexico

How much does a Aerospace Engineer make in New Mexico? ▼
The median aerospace engineer salary in New Mexico is $117,998 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $126,880. Salaries range from $72,540 (10th percentile) to $178,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Aerospace Engineer make per hour in New Mexico? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $117,998, a aerospace engineer in New Mexico earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Mexico a good state for aerospace engineers? ▼
New Mexico ranks #29 out of 50 states for aerospace engineer pay. The cost of living index is 93% of the national average. Entry-level aerospace engineers earn $74,400, while senior professionals earn $172,050.
How does New Mexico compare to other states for aerospace engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for aerospace engineers is Hawaii at $215,696. New Mexico's median of $117,998 ranks #29 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Idaho ($119,267) and Georgia ($117,998).
What is the entry-level aerospace engineer salary in New Mexico? ▼
An entry-level aerospace engineer in New Mexico earns approximately $74,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $119,040. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $172,050.
What city in New Mexico pays aerospace engineers the most? ▼
Santa Fe is the highest paying city in New Mexico for aerospace engineers, with a median salary of $139,568. Other cities include Albuquerque and Las Cruces.