Science & Research Rio Rancho, NM Pop. 104,046

Environmental Scientist Salary in Rio Rancho, New Mexico

The median environmental scientist salary in Rio Rancho, NM is $70,408 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 1.1% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$70,408
vs State Avg
$-765
vs National
$-6,122
Cost of Living
92%

Environmental Scientist Pay in Rio Rancho: What to Expect (2026)

Rio Rancho offers a median environmental scientist salary of $70,408, which is $765 below the New Mexico state average of $71,173. Compared to the national median of $76,530, Rio Rancho pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rio Rancho's cost of living is 92% 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 Rio Rancho spans from $44,160 at the 10th percentile to $115,920 at the 90th percentile — a $71,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $110,400. With a population of 104,046, Rio Rancho is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Rio Rancho by Experience

In Rio Rancho, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $46,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $110,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,000
$-4,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,760
$-6,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$110,400
$-9,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rio Rancho, NM

Percentile Rio Rancho
10th Percentile $44,160
25th Percentile $54,280
Median (50th) $70,408
75th Percentile $91,080
90th Percentile $115,920

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$84,183
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$72,704
Pop. 564,559
Las Cruces, NM
$67,346
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$62,755
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Rio Rancho

Education

Most environmental scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Rio Rancho 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 Rio Rancho may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Rio Rancho

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Rio Rancho, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Rio Rancho

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Rio Rancho, NM? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Rio Rancho, New Mexico is $70,408 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $44,160 (10th percentile) to $115,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Rio Rancho? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,408, a environmental scientist in Rio Rancho earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rio Rancho compare to the New Mexico state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Rio Rancho's median environmental scientist salary of $70,408 is 1.1% below the New Mexico state average of $71,173. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rio Rancho, NM? ▼
Rio Rancho has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a environmental scientist salary of $70,408 in Rio Rancho has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Rio Rancho? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Rio Rancho 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.