Healthcare Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Veterinarian Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median veterinarian salary in Albuquerque, NM is $96,032 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$96,032
vs State Avg
+$2,065
vs National
$-7,228
Cost of Living
95%

Veterinarian Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median veterinarian salary of $96,032, which is $2,065 above the New Mexico state average of $93,967. Compared to the national median of $103,260, 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 veterinarians in Albuquerque spans from $60,636 at the 10th percentile to $162,006 at the 90th percentile — a $101,370 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,240, while senior veterinarians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $144,150. 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.

Veterinarian Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $63,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $144,150 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,240
$-4,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$97,650
$-7,350 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$144,150
$-10,850 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $60,636
25th Percentile $74,772
Median (50th) $96,032
75th Percentile $124,992
90th Percentile $162,006

Veterinarian Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$111,521
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$92,934
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$88,804
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$82,608
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Veterinarian in Albuquerque

Education

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

Key Skills

DiagnosisSurgeryPharmacologyAnimal HandlingClient CommunicationRadiology

Job Outlook

Nationally, veterinarian employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Albuquerque may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Veterinarian Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open veterinarian positions in Albuquerque, NM:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Veterinarian make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median veterinarian salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $96,032 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $60,636 (10th percentile) to $162,006 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $96,032, a veterinarian in Albuquerque earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for veterinarian pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median veterinarian salary of $96,032 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $93,967. 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 veterinarian salary of $96,032 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinarian in Albuquerque? ▼
Most veterinarian positions in Albuquerque require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Diagnosis, Surgery, Pharmacology, Animal Handling. The job market is projected to grow 19% nationally over the next decade.