Construction & Real Estate Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Architect Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median architect salary in Albuquerque, NM is $78,698 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$78,698
vs State Avg
+$1,657
vs National
$-4,142
Cost of Living
95%

Architect Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median architect salary of $78,698, which is $1,657 above the New Mexico state average of $77,041. Compared to the national median of $82,840, Albuquerque pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Albuquerque's cost of living is 95% 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 architects in Albuquerque spans from $47,500 at the 10th percentile to $140,600 at the 90th percentile — a $93,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,400, while senior architects with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $133,000. As a major metro area with a population of 564,559, Albuquerque typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Architect Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level architect earns around $49,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $133,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,400
$-2,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,750
$-4,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$133,000
$-7,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $47,500
25th Percentile $60,800
Median (50th) $78,698
75th Percentile $106,400
90th Percentile $140,600

Architect Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$91,124
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$76,213
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$72,899
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$67,929
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Architect in Albuquerque

Education

Most architect positions require a bachelor's degree. Albuquerque and the surrounding New Mexico area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AutoCAD/RevitBuilding DesignBuilding Codes3D ModelingProject ManagementSustainability

Job Outlook

Nationally, architect employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Albuquerque may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Architect Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open architect positions in Albuquerque, NM:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Architect make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median architect salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $78,698 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $47,500 (10th percentile) to $140,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,698, a architect in Albuquerque earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for architect pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median architect salary of $78,698 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $77,041. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
Albuquerque has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a architect salary of $78,698 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a architect in Albuquerque? ▼
Most architect positions in Albuquerque require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include AutoCAD/Revit, Building Design, Building Codes, 3D Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.