Creative & Education Santa Fe, NM Pop. 87,505

College Professor Salary in Santa Fe, New Mexico

The median college professor salary in Santa Fe, NM is $92,268 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 18.3% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$92,268
vs State Avg
+$14,260
vs National
+$8,388
Cost of Living
110%

College Professor Pay in Santa Fe: What to Expect (2026)

Santa Fe offers a median college professor salary of $92,268, which is $14,260 above the New Mexico state average of $78,008. Compared to the national median of $83,880, 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 college professors in Santa Fe spans from $49,500 at the 10th percentile to $184,800 at the 90th percentile — a $135,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,800, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $176,000. Santa Fe is a smaller market (pop. 87,505), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

College Professor Salary in Santa Fe by Experience

In Santa Fe, an entry-level college professor earns around $52,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $176,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,800
+$4,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$94,600
+$8,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$176,000
+$16,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Santa Fe, NM

Percentile Santa Fe
10th Percentile $49,500
25th Percentile $66,000
Median (50th) $92,268
75th Percentile $132,000
90th Percentile $184,800

College Professor Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Albuquerque, NM
$79,686
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$77,170
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$73,814
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$68,782
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a College Professor in Santa Fe

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Santa Fe and the surrounding New Mexico area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook

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

Find College Professor Jobs in Santa Fe

Browse open college professor positions in Santa Fe, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Santa Fe

How much does a College Professor make in Santa Fe, NM? ▼
The median college professor salary in Santa Fe, New Mexico is $92,268 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $49,500 (10th percentile) to $184,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Santa Fe? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $92,268, a college professor 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 college professor pay? ▼
Santa Fe's median college professor salary of $92,268 is 18.3% above the New Mexico state average of $78,008. 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 college professor salary of $92,268 in Santa Fe has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Santa Fe? ▼
Most college professor positions in Santa Fe require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Teaching, Research, Publishing, Curriculum Design. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.