Science & Research Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Geologist Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median geologist salary in Albuquerque, NM is $79,496 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$79,496
vs State Avg
+$1,674
vs National
$-4,184
Cost of Living
95%

Geologist Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median geologist salary of $79,496, which is $1,674 above the New Mexico state average of $77,822. Compared to the national median of $83,680, 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 geologists in Albuquerque spans from $48,450 at the 10th percentile to $140,600 at the 90th percentile — a $92,150 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,300, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $133,000. 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.

Geologist Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level geologist earns around $51,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $133,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,300
$-2,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,750
$-4,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$133,000
$-7,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $48,450
25th Percentile $59,850
Median (50th) $79,496
75th Percentile $106,400
90th Percentile $140,600

Geologist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$92,048
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$76,986
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$73,638
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$68,618
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Geologist in Albuquerque

Education

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

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, geologist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Albuquerque may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Geologist Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open geologist positions in Albuquerque, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Geologist make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median geologist salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $79,496 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $48,450 (10th percentile) to $140,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,496, a geologist in Albuquerque earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for geologist pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median geologist salary of $79,496 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $77,822. 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 geologist salary of $79,496 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Albuquerque? ▼
Most geologist positions in Albuquerque require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Field Geology, GIS, Rock Analysis, Stratigraphy. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.