Environmental Scientist Salary in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The median environmental scientist salary in Santa Fe, NM is $84,183 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 18.3% above the New Mexico state average.
Environmental Scientist Pay in Santa Fe: What to Expect (2026)
Santa Fe offers a median environmental scientist salary of $84,183, which is $13,010 above the New Mexico state average of $71,173. Compared to the national median of $76,530, 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 environmental scientists in Santa Fe spans from $52,800 at the 10th percentile to $138,600 at the 90th percentile — a $85,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $132,000. Santa Fe is a smaller market (pop. 87,505), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Environmental Scientist Salary in Santa Fe by Experience
In Santa Fe, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $55,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $132,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Santa Fe, NM
| Percentile | Santa Fe |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $52,800 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,900 |
| Median (50th) | $84,183 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,900 |
| 90th Percentile | $138,600 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities
How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Santa Fe
Education
Most environmental scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Santa Fe and the surrounding New Mexico area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, environmental scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Santa Fe may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Santa Fe
Browse open environmental scientist positions in Santa Fe, NM: