Healthcare Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Physician Assistant Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median physician assistant salary in Albuquerque, NM is $117,189 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$117,189
vs State Avg
+$2,520
vs National
$-8,821
Cost of Living
95%

Physician Assistant Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median physician assistant salary of $117,189, which is $2,520 above the New Mexico state average of $114,669. Compared to the national median of $126,010, 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 physician assistants in Albuquerque spans from $78,120 at the 10th percentile to $161,820 at the 90th percentile — a $83,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $81,840, while senior physician assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $150,660. 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.

Physician Assistant Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level physician assistant earns around $81,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $150,660 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$81,840
$-6,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$117,180
$-8,820 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$150,660
$-11,340 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $78,120
25th Percentile $98,580
Median (50th) $117,189
75th Percentile $140,430
90th Percentile $161,820

Physician Assistant Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$136,091
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$113,409
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$108,369
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$100,808
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Physician Assistant in Albuquerque

Education

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

Key Skills

Clinical AssessmentPharmacologySurgical AssistingPatient CommunicationEMR SystemsDiagnosis

Job Outlook

Nationally, physician assistant employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Albuquerque may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physician Assistant Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open physician assistant positions in Albuquerque, NM:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physician Assistant Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Physician Assistant make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median physician assistant salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $117,189 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $126,010. Salaries range from $78,120 (10th percentile) to $161,820 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physician Assistant make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $117,189, a physician assistant in Albuquerque earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for physician assistant pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median physician assistant salary of $117,189 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $114,669. 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 physician assistant salary of $117,189 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physician assistant in Albuquerque? ▼
Most physician assistant positions in Albuquerque require a master's degree. Key skills include Clinical Assessment, Pharmacology, Surgical Assisting, Patient Communication. The job market is projected to grow 28% nationally over the next decade.