Personal Care & Fitness Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Esthetician Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median esthetician salary in Albuquerque, NM is $36,290 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$36,290
vs State Avg
+$764
vs National
$-1,910
Cost of Living
95%

Esthetician Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median esthetician salary of $36,290, which is $764 above the New Mexico state average of $35,526. Compared to the national median of $38,200, 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 estheticians in Albuquerque spans from $22,800 at the 10th percentile to $61,750 at the 90th percentile — a $38,950 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,700, while senior estheticians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $58,900. 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.

Esthetician Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level esthetician earns around $24,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $58,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,700
$-1,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$37,050
$-1,950 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$58,900
$-3,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $22,800
25th Percentile $28,500
Median (50th) $36,290
75th Percentile $49,400
90th Percentile $61,750

Esthetician Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$42,020
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$35,144
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$33,616
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$31,324
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Esthetician in Albuquerque

Education

Most esthetician positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Albuquerque and the surrounding New Mexico area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SkincareFacial TreatmentsProduct KnowledgeClient ConsultationSanitationAnatomy

Job Outlook

Nationally, esthetician employment is projected to grow 17% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Albuquerque may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Esthetician Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open esthetician positions in Albuquerque, NM:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Esthetician Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Esthetician make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median esthetician salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $36,290 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $38,200. Salaries range from $22,800 (10th percentile) to $61,750 (90th percentile).
How much does a Esthetician make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,290, a esthetician in Albuquerque earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for esthetician pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median esthetician salary of $36,290 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $35,526. 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 esthetician salary of $36,290 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a esthetician in Albuquerque? ▼
Most esthetician positions in Albuquerque require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Skincare, Facial Treatments, Product Knowledge, Client Consultation. The job market is projected to grow 17% nationally over the next decade.