Science & Research Santa Fe, NM Pop. 87,505

Chemist Salary in Santa Fe, New Mexico

The median chemist salary in Santa Fe, NM is $91,069 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 18.3% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$91,069
vs State Avg
+$14,074
vs National
+$8,279
Cost of Living
110%

Chemist Pay in Santa Fe: What to Expect (2026)

Santa Fe offers a median chemist salary of $91,069, which is $14,074 above the New Mexico state average of $76,995. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Santa Fe pays above average for this role.

Santa Fe's cost of living is 110% 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 Santa Fe spans from $52,800 at the 10th percentile to $156,200 at the 90th percentile — a $103,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $148,500. Santa Fe is a smaller market (pop. 87,505), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chemist Salary in Santa Fe by Experience

In Santa Fe, an entry-level chemist earns around $55,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $148,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,000
+$5,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$92,400
+$8,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$148,500
+$13,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Santa Fe, NM

Percentile Santa Fe
10th Percentile $52,800
25th Percentile $68,200
Median (50th) $91,069
75th Percentile $119,900
90th Percentile $156,200

Chemist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

How to Become a Chemist in Santa Fe

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemist Jobs in Santa Fe

Browse open chemist positions in Santa Fe, NM:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Santa Fe

How much does a Chemist make in Santa Fe, NM? ▼
The median chemist salary in Santa Fe, New Mexico is $91,069 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $52,800 (10th percentile) to $156,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Santa Fe? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $91,069, a chemist in Santa Fe earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Santa Fe compare to the New Mexico state average for chemist pay? ▼
Santa Fe's median chemist salary of $91,069 is 18.3% above the New Mexico state average of $76,995. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Santa Fe, NM? ▼
Santa Fe has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $91,069 in Santa Fe has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Santa Fe? ▼
Most chemist positions in Santa Fe 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.