Science & Research Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Chemist Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median chemist salary in Albuquerque, NM is $78,651 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$78,651
vs State Avg
+$1,656
vs National
$-4,139
Cost of Living
95%

Chemist Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median chemist salary of $78,651, which is $1,656 above the New Mexico state average of $76,995. Compared to the national median of $82,790, 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 chemists in Albuquerque spans from $45,600 at the 10th percentile to $134,900 at the 90th percentile — a $89,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,500, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $128,250. 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.

Chemist Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level chemist earns around $47,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $128,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,500
$-2,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,800
$-4,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$128,250
$-6,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $45,600
25th Percentile $58,900
Median (50th) $78,651
75th Percentile $103,550
90th Percentile $134,900

Chemist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$91,069
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$76,167
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$72,855
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$67,888
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Chemist in Albuquerque

Education

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

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Albuquerque may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemist Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open chemist positions in Albuquerque, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Chemist make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median chemist salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $78,651 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $45,600 (10th percentile) to $134,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,651, a chemist 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 chemist pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median chemist salary of $78,651 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $76,995. 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 chemist salary of $78,651 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Albuquerque? ▼
Most chemist positions in Albuquerque require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Analytical Chemistry, Lab Techniques, Spectroscopy, HPLC. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.