Science & Research Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Physicist Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median physicist salary in Albuquerque, NM is $144,809 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$144,809
vs State Avg
+$3,049
vs National
$-7,621
Cost of Living
95%

Physicist Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median physicist salary of $144,809, which is $3,049 above the New Mexico state average of $141,760. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 physicists in Albuquerque spans from $74,100 at the 10th percentile to $226,100 at the 90th percentile — a $152,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $77,900, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $209,000. 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.

Physicist Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level physicist earns around $77,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $209,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$77,900
$-4,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$147,250
$-7,750 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$209,000
$-11,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $74,100
25th Percentile $102,600
Median (50th) $144,809
75th Percentile $185,250
90th Percentile $226,100

Physicist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$167,673
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$140,236
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$134,138
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$124,993
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Physicist in Albuquerque

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Albuquerque and the surrounding New Mexico area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Albuquerque may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open physicist positions in Albuquerque, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Physicist make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median physicist salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $144,809 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $74,100 (10th percentile) to $226,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $144,809, a physicist in Albuquerque earns approximately $70 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for physicist pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median physicist salary of $144,809 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $141,760. 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 physicist salary of $144,809 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Albuquerque? ▼
Most physicist positions in Albuquerque require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Mathematical Modeling, Experimental Physics, Python/MATLAB, Data Analysis. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.