Construction & Real Estate Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Urban Planner Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median urban planner salary in Albuquerque, NM is $75,563 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$75,563
vs State Avg
+$1,591
vs National
$-3,977
Cost of Living
95%

Urban Planner Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median urban planner salary of $75,563, which is $1,591 above the New Mexico state average of $73,972. Compared to the national median of $79,540, 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 urban planners in Albuquerque spans from $47,500 at the 10th percentile to $115,900 at the 90th percentile — a $68,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,400, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,100. 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.

Urban Planner Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level urban planner earns around $49,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,400
$-2,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,950
$-4,050 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$112,100
$-5,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $47,500
25th Percentile $59,850
Median (50th) $75,563
75th Percentile $95,000
90th Percentile $115,900

Urban Planner Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$87,494
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$73,177
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$69,995
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$65,223
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Urban Planner in Albuquerque

Education

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

Key Skills

Urban PlanningGISZoning LawCommunity EngagementData AnalysisAutoCAD

Job Outlook

Nationally, urban planner employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Albuquerque may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Urban Planner Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open urban planner positions in Albuquerque, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Urban Planner make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $75,563 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $47,500 (10th percentile) to $115,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,563, a urban planner in Albuquerque earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for urban planner pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median urban planner salary of $75,563 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $73,972. 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 urban planner salary of $75,563 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Albuquerque? ▼
Most urban planner positions in Albuquerque require a master's degree. Key skills include Urban Planning, GIS, Zoning Law, Community Engagement. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.