Construction & Real Estate Rio Rancho, NM Pop. 104,046

Urban Planner Salary in Rio Rancho, New Mexico

The median urban planner salary in Rio Rancho, NM is $73,177 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 1.1% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$73,177
vs State Avg
$-795
vs National
$-6,363
Cost of Living
92%

Urban Planner Pay in Rio Rancho: What to Expect (2026)

Rio Rancho offers a median urban planner salary of $73,177, which is $795 below the New Mexico state average of $73,972. Compared to the national median of $79,540, 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 urban planners in Rio Rancho spans from $46,000 at the 10th percentile to $112,240 at the 90th percentile — a $66,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,840, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $108,560. With a population of 104,046, Rio Rancho is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Urban Planner Salary in Rio Rancho by Experience

In Rio Rancho, an entry-level urban planner earns around $47,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,840
$-4,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,520
$-6,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,560
$-9,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rio Rancho, NM

Percentile Rio Rancho
10th Percentile $46,000
25th Percentile $57,960
Median (50th) $73,177
75th Percentile $92,000
90th Percentile $112,240

Urban Planner Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$87,494
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$75,563
Pop. 564,559
Las Cruces, NM
$69,995
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$65,223
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Urban Planner in Rio Rancho

Education

Most urban planner positions require a master's degree. Rio Rancho 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 Rio Rancho may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Urban Planner Jobs in Rio Rancho

Browse open urban planner positions in Rio Rancho, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Rio Rancho

How much does a Urban Planner make in Rio Rancho, NM? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Rio Rancho, New Mexico is $73,177 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $46,000 (10th percentile) to $112,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Rio Rancho? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,177, a urban planner in Rio Rancho earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rio Rancho compare to the New Mexico state average for urban planner pay? ▼
Rio Rancho's median urban planner salary of $73,177 is 1.1% below the New Mexico state average of $73,972. 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 urban planner salary of $73,177 in Rio Rancho has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Rio Rancho? ▼
Most urban planner positions in Rio Rancho 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.