Engineering New Mexico (NM) Rank #29 of 50

Chemical Engineer Salary in New Mexico

The median chemical engineer salary in New Mexico is $98,822 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $106,260.

Median Salary
$98,822
vs National
$-7,438
State Rank
#29 of 50
Cost of Living
93%

Chemical Engineer Salary Overview in New Mexico (2026)

New Mexico ranks #29 out of 50 states for chemical engineer compensation. Chemical Engineer salaries in New Mexico are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $98,822 per year, chemical engineers in New Mexico earn $7,438 less than the national median of $106,260.

A key advantage of working in New Mexico is its below-average cost of living (93% of the national index). This means the $98,822 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $106,260 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in New Mexico is significant: chemical engineers at the 10th percentile earn $63,240, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $159,960 — a $96,720 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 $116,886.

Nationally, chemical engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for chemical engineers across the country.

Chemical Engineer Salary in New Mexico by Experience

In New Mexico, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $65,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $150,660 per year. The cost of living index in New Mexico is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,100
$-4,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$100,440
$-7,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$150,660
$-11,340 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New Mexico

Percentile NM Salary
10th Percentile $63,240
25th Percentile $78,120
Median (50th) $98,822
75th Percentile $128,340
90th Percentile $159,960

Chemical Engineer Salary by City in New Mexico

The largest employment areas for chemical 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 Chemical Engineer in New Mexico

Education

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

Key Skills

Process EngineeringChemical ProcessesASPENSafety EngineeringQuality ControlThermodynamics

Job Outlook in New Mexico

Nationally, chemical engineer employment is projected to grow 8% 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: Chemical Engineer Salary in New Mexico

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in New Mexico? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in New Mexico is $98,822 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $63,240 (10th percentile) to $159,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in New Mexico? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $98,822, a chemical engineer in New Mexico earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Mexico a good state for chemical engineers? ▼
New Mexico ranks #29 out of 50 states for chemical engineer pay. The cost of living index is 93% of the national average. Entry-level chemical engineers earn $65,100, while senior professionals earn $150,660.
How does New Mexico compare to other states for chemical engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for chemical engineers is Hawaii at $180,642. New Mexico's median of $98,822 ranks #29 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Idaho ($99,884) and Georgia ($98,822).
What is the entry-level chemical engineer salary in New Mexico? ▼
An entry-level chemical engineer in New Mexico earns approximately $65,100 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $100,440. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $150,660.
What city in New Mexico pays chemical engineers the most? ▼
Santa Fe is the highest paying city in New Mexico for chemical engineers, with a median salary of $116,886. Other cities include Albuquerque and Las Cruces.