Engineering Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Civil Engineer Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median civil engineer salary in Albuquerque, NM is $85,443 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$85,443
vs State Avg
+$1,799
vs National
$-4,497
Cost of Living
95%

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

Albuquerque offers a median civil engineer salary of $85,443, which is $1,799 above the New Mexico state average of $83,644. Compared to the national median of $89,940, 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 civil engineers in Albuquerque spans from $57,380 at the 10th percentile to $131,670 at the 90th percentile — a $74,290 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,900, while senior civil engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $123,500. 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.

Civil Engineer Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $58,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,900
$-3,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,500
$-4,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,500
$-6,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $57,380
25th Percentile $69,540
Median (50th) $85,443
75th Percentile $108,300
90th Percentile $131,670

Civil Engineer Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$98,934
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$82,745
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$79,147
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$73,751
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Civil Engineer in Albuquerque

Education

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

Key Skills

AutoCADStructural AnalysisProject ManagementGISConstruction ManagementPE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, civil engineer 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 Civil Engineer Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open civil engineer positions in Albuquerque, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Civil Engineer make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median civil engineer salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $85,443 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $89,940. Salaries range from $57,380 (10th percentile) to $131,670 (90th percentile).
How much does a Civil Engineer make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,443, a civil engineer in Albuquerque earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for civil engineer pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median civil engineer salary of $85,443 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $83,644. 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 civil engineer salary of $85,443 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a civil engineer in Albuquerque? ▼
Most civil engineer positions in Albuquerque require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include AutoCAD, Structural Analysis, Project Management, GIS. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.