Science & Research Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Environmental Scientist Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median environmental scientist salary in Albuquerque, NM is $72,704 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$72,704
vs State Avg
+$1,531
vs National
$-3,826
Cost of Living
95%

Environmental Scientist Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median environmental scientist salary of $72,704, which is $1,531 above the New Mexico state average of $71,173. Compared to the national median of $76,530, 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 environmental scientists in Albuquerque spans from $45,600 at the 10th percentile to $119,700 at the 90th percentile — a $74,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,500, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $114,000. 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.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $47,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $114,000 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)
$74,100
$-3,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$114,000
$-6,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $45,600
25th Percentile $56,050
Median (50th) $72,704
75th Percentile $94,050
90th Percentile $119,700

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$84,183
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$70,408
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$67,346
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$62,755
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Albuquerque

Education

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

Key Skills

Environmental SamplingGISData AnalysisEnvironmental LawReport WritingField Research

Job Outlook

Nationally, environmental scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Albuquerque may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Albuquerque, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $72,704 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $45,600 (10th percentile) to $119,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,704, a environmental scientist in Albuquerque earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median environmental scientist salary of $72,704 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $71,173. 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 environmental scientist salary of $72,704 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Albuquerque? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Albuquerque require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Environmental Sampling, GIS, Data Analysis, Environmental Law. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.