Engineering Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Chemical Engineer Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median chemical engineer salary in Albuquerque, NM is $100,947 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$100,947
vs State Avg
+$2,125
vs National
$-5,313
Cost of Living
95%

Chemical Engineer Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median chemical engineer salary of $100,947, which is $2,125 above the New Mexico state average of $98,822. Compared to the national median of $106,260, 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 chemical engineers in Albuquerque spans from $64,600 at the 10th percentile to $163,400 at the 90th percentile — a $98,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $66,500, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $153,900. 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.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $66,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $153,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$66,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$102,600
$-5,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$153,900
$-8,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $64,600
25th Percentile $79,800
Median (50th) $100,947
75th Percentile $131,100
90th Percentile $163,400

Chemical Engineer Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$116,886
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$97,759
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$93,509
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$87,133
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Albuquerque

Education

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

Key Skills

Process EngineeringChemical ProcessesASPENSafety EngineeringQuality ControlThermodynamics

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemical engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Albuquerque may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open chemical engineer positions in Albuquerque, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $100,947 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $64,600 (10th percentile) to $163,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $100,947, a chemical engineer in Albuquerque earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for chemical engineer pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median chemical engineer salary of $100,947 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $98,822. 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 chemical engineer salary of $100,947 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer in Albuquerque? ▼
Most chemical engineer positions in Albuquerque require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Process Engineering, Chemical Processes, ASPEN, Safety Engineering. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.