Public Service Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Police Officer Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median police officer salary in Albuquerque, NM is $62,501 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$62,501
vs State Avg
+$1,316
vs National
$-3,289
Cost of Living
95%

Police Officer Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median police officer salary of $62,501, which is $1,316 above the New Mexico state average of $61,185. Compared to the national median of $65,790, 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 police officers in Albuquerque spans from $38,380 at the 10th percentile to $100,700 at the 90th percentile — a $62,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,900, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $93,100. 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.

Police Officer Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level police officer earns around $39,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $93,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,900
$-2,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,700
$-3,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$93,100
$-4,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $38,380
25th Percentile $48,640
Median (50th) $62,501
75th Percentile $82,840
90th Percentile $100,700

Police Officer Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$72,369
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$60,527
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$57,895
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$53,948
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Police Officer in Albuquerque

Education

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

Key Skills

Law EnforcementEmergency ResponseReport WritingDe-escalationPhysical FitnessCommunity Policing

Job Outlook

Nationally, police officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Albuquerque may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Police Officer Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open police officer positions in Albuquerque, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Police Officer make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median police officer salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $62,501 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $38,380 (10th percentile) to $100,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,501, a police officer in Albuquerque earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for police officer pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median police officer salary of $62,501 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $61,185. 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 police officer salary of $62,501 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in Albuquerque? ▼
Most police officer positions in Albuquerque require a high school diploma. Key skills include Law Enforcement, Emergency Response, Report Writing, De-escalation. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.