Agriculture & Environment Rio Rancho, NM Pop. 104,046

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Rio Rancho, New Mexico

The median agricultural scientist salary in Rio Rancho, NM is $68,227 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 1.1% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$68,227
vs State Avg
$-742
vs National
$-5,933
Cost of Living
92%

Agricultural Scientist Pay in Rio Rancho: What to Expect (2026)

Rio Rancho offers a median agricultural scientist salary of $68,227, which is $742 below the New Mexico state average of $68,969. Compared to the national median of $74,160, Rio Rancho pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rio Rancho's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for agricultural scientists in Rio Rancho spans from $40,480 at the 10th percentile to $112,240 at the 90th percentile — a $71,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,160, while senior agricultural scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,800. With a population of 104,046, Rio Rancho is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Rio Rancho by Experience

In Rio Rancho, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $44,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$69,920
$-6,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,800
$-9,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rio Rancho, NM

Percentile Rio Rancho
10th Percentile $40,480
25th Percentile $51,520
Median (50th) $68,227
75th Percentile $90,160
90th Percentile $112,240

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$81,576
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$70,452
Pop. 564,559
Las Cruces, NM
$65,261
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$60,811
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in Rio Rancho

Education

Most agricultural scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Rio Rancho and the surrounding New Mexico area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AgronomyResearch MethodsData AnalysisSoil ScienceGeneticsScientific Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, agricultural scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Rio Rancho may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Agricultural Scientist Jobs in Rio Rancho

Browse open agricultural scientist positions in Rio Rancho, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in Rio Rancho

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in Rio Rancho, NM? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in Rio Rancho, New Mexico is $68,227 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $40,480 (10th percentile) to $112,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in Rio Rancho? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,227, a agricultural scientist in Rio Rancho earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rio Rancho compare to the New Mexico state average for agricultural scientist pay? ▼
Rio Rancho's median agricultural scientist salary of $68,227 is 1.1% below the New Mexico state average of $68,969. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rio Rancho, NM? ▼
Rio Rancho has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a agricultural scientist salary of $68,227 in Rio Rancho has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a agricultural scientist in Rio Rancho? ▼
Most agricultural scientist positions in Rio Rancho require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Agronomy, Research Methods, Data Analysis, Soil Science. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.