Trades & Labor Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Painter Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median painter salary in Albuquerque, NM is $42,465 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$42,465
vs State Avg
+$894
vs National
$-2,235
Cost of Living
95%

Painter Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median painter salary of $42,465, which is $894 above the New Mexico state average of $41,571. Compared to the national median of $44,700, 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 painters in Albuquerque spans from $28,500 at the 10th percentile to $66,500 at the 90th percentile — a $38,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,450, while senior painters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $62,700. 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.

Painter Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level painter earns around $29,450, while experienced professionals earn up to $62,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,450
$-1,550 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,750
$-2,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$62,700
$-3,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $28,500
25th Percentile $34,200
Median (50th) $42,465
75th Percentile $54,150
90th Percentile $66,500

Painter Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$49,170
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$41,124
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$39,336
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$36,654
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Painter in Albuquerque

Education

Most painter positions require a high school diploma. Albuquerque and the surrounding New Mexico area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook

Nationally, painter 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 Painter Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open painter positions in Albuquerque, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Painter make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median painter salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $42,465 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $28,500 (10th percentile) to $66,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,465, a painter in Albuquerque earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for painter pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median painter salary of $42,465 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $41,571. 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 painter salary of $42,465 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a painter in Albuquerque? ▼
Most painter positions in Albuquerque require a high school diploma. Key skills include Surface Preparation, Paint Application, Color Matching, Spray Equipment. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.