Construction & Real Estate New Mexico (NM) Rank #28 of 50

Architect Salary in New Mexico

The median architect salary in New Mexico is $77,041 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $82,840.

Median Salary
$77,041
vs National
$-5,799
State Rank
#28 of 50
Cost of Living
93%

Architect Salary Overview in New Mexico (2026)

New Mexico ranks #28 out of 50 states for architect compensation. Architect salaries in New Mexico are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $77,041 per year, architects in New Mexico earn $5,799 less than the national median of $82,840.

A key advantage of working in New Mexico is its below-average cost of living (93% of the national index). This means the $77,041 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $82,840 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in New Mexico is significant: architects at the 10th percentile earn $46,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $137,640 — a $91,140 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 $91,124.

Nationally, architect employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for architects across the country.

Architect Salary in New Mexico by Experience

In New Mexico, an entry-level architect earns around $48,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $130,200 per year. The cost of living index in New Mexico is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,360
$-3,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,050
$-5,950 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$130,200
$-9,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New Mexico

Percentile NM Salary
10th Percentile $46,500
25th Percentile $59,520
Median (50th) $77,041
75th Percentile $104,160
90th Percentile $137,640

Architect Salary by City in New Mexico

The largest employment areas for architects 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 Architect in New Mexico

Education

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

Key Skills

AutoCAD/RevitBuilding DesignBuilding Codes3D ModelingProject ManagementSustainability

Job Outlook in New Mexico

Nationally, architect employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). New Mexico's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in New Mexico

How much does a Architect make in New Mexico? ▼
The median architect salary in New Mexico is $77,041 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $46,500 (10th percentile) to $137,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in New Mexico? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,041, a architect in New Mexico earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Mexico a good state for architects? ▼
New Mexico ranks #28 out of 50 states for architect pay. The cost of living index is 93% of the national average. Entry-level architects earn $48,360, while senior professionals earn $130,200.
How does New Mexico compare to other states for architect salary? ▼
The highest paying state for architects is Hawaii at $140,828. New Mexico's median of $77,041 ranks #28 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Idaho ($77,870) and Georgia ($77,041).
What is the entry-level architect salary in New Mexico? ▼
An entry-level architect in New Mexico earns approximately $48,360 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $79,050. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $130,200.
What city in New Mexico pays architects the most? ▼
Santa Fe is the highest paying city in New Mexico for architects, with a median salary of $91,124. Other cities include Albuquerque and Las Cruces.