Public Service Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Firefighter Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median firefighter salary in Albuquerque, NM is $49,096 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$49,096
vs State Avg
+$1,034
vs National
$-2,584
Cost of Living
95%

Firefighter Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median firefighter salary of $49,096, which is $1,034 above the New Mexico state average of $48,062. Compared to the national median of $51,680, 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 firefighters in Albuquerque spans from $28,120 at the 10th percentile to $88,160 at the 90th percentile — a $60,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,400, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,900. 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.

Firefighter Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level firefighter earns around $30,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,400
$-1,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,400
$-2,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,900
$-4,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $28,120
25th Percentile $36,670
Median (50th) $49,096
75th Percentile $67,640
90th Percentile $88,160

Firefighter Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$56,848
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$47,546
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$45,478
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$42,378
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Firefighter in Albuquerque

Education

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

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook

Nationally, firefighter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Albuquerque may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open firefighter positions in Albuquerque, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Firefighter make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $49,096 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $28,120 (10th percentile) to $88,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,096, a firefighter in Albuquerque earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median firefighter salary of $49,096 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $48,062. 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 firefighter salary of $49,096 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Albuquerque? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Albuquerque require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.