Agriculture & Environment Santa Fe, NM Pop. 87,505

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Santa Fe, New Mexico

The median agricultural scientist salary in Santa Fe, NM is $81,576 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 18.3% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$81,576
vs State Avg
+$12,607
vs National
+$7,416
Cost of Living
110%

Agricultural Scientist Pay in Santa Fe: What to Expect (2026)

Santa Fe offers a median agricultural scientist salary of $81,576, which is $12,607 above the New Mexico state average of $68,969. Compared to the national median of $74,160, Santa Fe pays above average for this role.

Santa Fe's cost of living is 110% 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 Santa Fe spans from $48,400 at the 10th percentile to $134,200 at the 90th percentile — a $85,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,800, while senior agricultural scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $126,500. Santa Fe is a smaller market (pop. 87,505), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Santa Fe by Experience

In Santa Fe, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $52,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $126,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,800
+$4,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$83,600
+$7,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$126,500
+$11,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Santa Fe, NM

Percentile Santa Fe
10th Percentile $48,400
25th Percentile $61,600
Median (50th) $81,576
75th Percentile $107,800
90th Percentile $134,200

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in Santa Fe

Education

Most agricultural scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Agricultural Scientist Jobs in Santa Fe

Browse open agricultural scientist positions in Santa Fe, NM:

Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in Santa Fe

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in Santa Fe, NM? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in Santa Fe, New Mexico is $81,576 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $48,400 (10th percentile) to $134,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in Santa Fe? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,576, a agricultural scientist in Santa Fe earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Santa Fe compare to the New Mexico state average for agricultural scientist pay? ▼
Santa Fe's median agricultural scientist salary of $81,576 is 18.3% above the New Mexico state average of $68,969. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Santa Fe, NM? ▼
Santa Fe has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a agricultural scientist salary of $81,576 in Santa Fe has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a agricultural scientist in Santa Fe? ▼
Most agricultural scientist positions in Santa Fe 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.