Trades & Labor New Mexico (NM) Rank #32 of 50

Machinist Salary in New Mexico

The median machinist salary in New Mexico is $45,449 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $48,870.

Median Salary
$45,449
vs National
$-3,421
State Rank
#32 of 50
Cost of Living
93%

Machinist Salary Overview in New Mexico (2026)

New Mexico ranks #32 out of 50 states for machinist compensation. Machinist salaries in New Mexico are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $45,449 per year, machinists in New Mexico earn $3,421 less than the national median of $48,870.

A key advantage of working in New Mexico is its below-average cost of living (93% of the national index). This means the $45,449 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $48,870 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in New Mexico is significant: machinists at the 10th percentile earn $29,760, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $68,820 — a $39,060 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New Mexico for this role is Santa Fe, where the median reaches $53,757.

Nationally, machinist employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for machinists across the country.

Machinist Salary in New Mexico by Experience

In New Mexico, an entry-level machinist earns around $31,620, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,960 per year. The cost of living index in New Mexico is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,620
$-2,380 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,500
$-3,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$66,960
$-5,040 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New Mexico

Percentile NM Salary
10th Percentile $29,760
25th Percentile $36,270
Median (50th) $45,449
75th Percentile $56,730
90th Percentile $68,820

Machinist Salary by City in New Mexico

The largest employment areas for machinists in New Mexico include Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Machinist in New Mexico

Education

Most machinist positions require a high school diploma. New Mexico has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CNC ProgrammingBlueprint ReadingPrecision MeasurementMetalworkingCAD/CAMQuality Control

Job Outlook in New Mexico

Nationally, machinist employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). New Mexico's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in New Mexico

How much does a Machinist make in New Mexico? ▼
The median machinist salary in New Mexico is $45,449 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $29,760 (10th percentile) to $68,820 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in New Mexico? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,449, a machinist in New Mexico earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Mexico a good state for machinists? ▼
New Mexico ranks #32 out of 50 states for machinist pay. The cost of living index is 93% of the national average. Entry-level machinists earn $31,620, while senior professionals earn $66,960.
How does New Mexico compare to other states for machinist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for machinists is Hawaii at $86,989. New Mexico's median of $45,449 ranks #32 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Idaho ($45,938) and Georgia ($45,449).
What is the entry-level machinist salary in New Mexico? ▼
An entry-level machinist in New Mexico earns approximately $31,620 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $46,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $66,960.
What city in New Mexico pays machinists the most? ▼
Santa Fe is the highest paying city in New Mexico for machinists, with a median salary of $53,757. Other cities include Albuquerque and Las Cruces.