Science & Research Rio Rancho, NM Pop. 104,046

Physicist Salary in Rio Rancho, New Mexico

The median physicist salary in Rio Rancho, NM is $140,236 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 1.1% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$140,236
vs State Avg
$-1,524
vs National
$-12,194
Cost of Living
92%

Physicist Pay in Rio Rancho: What to Expect (2026)

Rio Rancho offers a median physicist salary of $140,236, which is $1,524 below the New Mexico state average of $141,760. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Rio Rancho pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rio Rancho's cost of living is 92% 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 Rio Rancho spans from $71,760 at the 10th percentile to $218,960 at the 90th percentile — a $147,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $75,440, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $202,400. With a population of 104,046, Rio Rancho is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Rio Rancho by Experience

In Rio Rancho, an entry-level physicist earns around $75,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $202,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$75,440
$-6,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$142,600
$-12,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$202,400
$-17,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rio Rancho, NM

Percentile Rio Rancho
10th Percentile $71,760
25th Percentile $99,360
Median (50th) $140,236
75th Percentile $179,400
90th Percentile $218,960

Physicist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$167,673
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$144,809
Pop. 564,559
Las Cruces, NM
$134,138
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$124,993
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Physicist in Rio Rancho

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Rio Rancho 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 Rio Rancho may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in Rio Rancho

Browse open physicist positions in Rio Rancho, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Rio Rancho

How much does a Physicist make in Rio Rancho, NM? ▼
The median physicist salary in Rio Rancho, New Mexico is $140,236 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $71,760 (10th percentile) to $218,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Rio Rancho? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $140,236, a physicist in Rio Rancho earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rio Rancho compare to the New Mexico state average for physicist pay? ▼
Rio Rancho's median physicist salary of $140,236 is 1.1% below the New Mexico state average of $141,760. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rio Rancho, NM? ▼
Rio Rancho has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $140,236 in Rio Rancho has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Rio Rancho? ▼
Most physicist positions in Rio Rancho 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.