New Mexico salaries by occupation
The median worker in New Mexico earned $45,870 a year in 2024, about $22.05 an hour, 7.3% below the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 515 occupations.
Median pay $45,870 $22.05 per hour
Vs national median -7.3% U.S. $49,500
Workers 860,880 wage and salary
Occupations reported 515 with at least 100 employed
What New Mexico is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas | 17.39× | 1,070 | $60,200 |
| Nuclear Engineers | 14.11× | 1,160 | $140,070 |
| Wellhead Pumpers | 13.62× | 1,320 | $68,220 |
| Roustabouts, Oil and Gas | 13.13× | 3,320 | $48,570 |
| Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas | 8.86× | 650 | $85,540 |
| Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas | 8.44× | 2,080 | $58,080 |
| Physicists | 6.48× | 770 | $175,960 |
| Aerospace Engineers | 5.07× | 1,940 | $139,770 |
| Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers | 4.38× | 540 | $31,440 |
| Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators | 4.14× | 1,060 | $45,820 |
Metro areas in New Mexico
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 4 New Mexico metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe | $47,180 | $22.69 | 61,400 | #179 |
| Albuquerque | $46,940 | $22.57 | 401,280 | #187 |
| Farmington | $43,620 | $20.97 | 46,030 | #304 |
| Las Cruces | $38,620 | $18.57 | 77,990 | #366 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pediatricians, General | $237,950 | $114.40 | 230 | #1 of 37 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $215,730 | $103.72 | 1,790 | #1 of 49 |
| Physicists | $175,960 | $84.60 | 770 | #5 of 26 |
| Dentists, General | $171,730 | $82.56 | 660 | #23 of 46 |
| Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates | $164,340 | $79.01 | 240 | #15 of 31 |
| Optometrists | $154,630 | $74.34 | 140 | #6 of 47 |
| Chief Executives | $148,790 | $71.54 | 360 | #27 of 33 |
| Air Traffic Controllers | $145,290 | $69.85 | 360 | #14 of 36 |
| Electrical Engineers | $143,850 | $69.16 | 1,580 | #1 of 51 |
| Engineers, All Other | $142,520 | $68.52 | 1,720 | #3 of 51 |
| Mechanical Engineers | $141,490 | $68.02 | 1,690 | #1 of 51 |
| Nuclear Engineers | $140,070 | $67.34 | 1,160 | #8 of 22 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 37,360 | $27,390 | $13.17 |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive | 24,510 | $42,960 | $20.65 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 23,990 | $28,650 | $13.77 |
| Retail Salespersons | 23,260 | $31,360 | $15.08 |
| Cashiers | 19,790 | $29,230 | $14.06 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 18,520 | $38,060 | $18.30 |
| Registered Nurses | 17,510 | $88,260 | $42.43 |
| General and Operations Managers | 16,550 | $100,200 | $48.17 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 15,800 | $35,670 | $17.15 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 14,560 | $33,640 | $16.17 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in New Mexico
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Office and administrative support 43
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $71,930
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $60,820
- Postal Service Clerks $60,030
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $55,540
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $55,410
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $54,170
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $52,300
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $50,960
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $50,590
- Procurement Clerks $49,000
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $48,560
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $48,530
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping $48,520
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $47,900
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $46,940
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $46,610
- Bill and Account Collectors $46,270
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $46,140
- New Accounts Clerks $45,500
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $45,010
- Data Entry Keyers $44,960
- Cargo and Freight Agents $44,770
- Billing and Posting Clerks $43,150
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $42,960
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $42,020
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $41,830
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $41,810
- Meter Readers, Utilities $40,140
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $38,910
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $38,770
- Tellers $38,060
- Customer Service Representatives $38,060
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $37,430
- Order Clerks $37,350
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $37,240
- File Clerks $36,860
- Couriers and Messengers $36,790
- Office Clerks, General $36,310
- Gambling Cage Workers $36,290
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer $35,020
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $34,320
- Library Assistants, Clerical $33,180
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $28,770
Production 42
- Power Plant Operators $98,690
- Gas Plant Operators $94,050
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers $67,380
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $61,740
- Machinists $57,520
- Plant and System Operators, All Other $54,080
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $52,460
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders $51,680
- Dental Laboratory Technicians $48,590
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $48,510
- Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders $47,250
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $46,680
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,350
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $45,660
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $44,740
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $43,240
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers $42,470
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $40,700
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $40,010
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $39,630
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $38,810
- Food Processing Workers, All Other $38,350
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $37,440
- Production Workers, All Other $37,240
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians $37,180
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $36,410
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $36,350
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $36,330
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $35,970
- Food Batchmakers $35,940
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $35,520
- Printing Press Operators $35,380
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $35,220
- Helpers--Production Workers $35,130
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders $35,000
- Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand $34,900
- Sewing Machine Operators $34,230
- Bakers $34,010
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $32,270
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $30,260
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $29,990
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials $28,730
Education and library 40
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $129,170
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $102,520
- Special Education Teachers, All Other $83,030
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $81,700
- History Teachers, Postsecondary $80,940
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $80,590
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $80,260
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $79,900
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $77,850
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $76,230
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $75,940
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,520
- Instructional Coordinators $73,210
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $71,960
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $70,710
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $69,690
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $66,960
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $66,830
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $66,490
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $66,020
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $65,510
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $63,990
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $62,460
- Farm and Home Management Educators $62,400
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $61,460
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $61,240
- Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary $61,200
- Curators $60,650
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $60,560
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $53,980
- Museum Technicians and Conservators $51,170
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $47,870
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $46,780
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $46,330
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $46,070
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $37,900
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $37,100
- Library Technicians $36,170
- Tutors $35,180
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $30,350
Construction and extraction 39
- Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas $85,540
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $76,240
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $73,860
- Construction and Building Inspectors $62,470
- Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas $60,200
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $59,660
- Sheet Metal Workers $59,220
- Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas $58,080
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $57,160
- Electricians $56,890
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $54,060
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $52,470
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers $52,180
- Carpenters $52,010
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $49,130
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $48,700
- Roustabouts, Oil and Gas $48,570
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $47,280
- Plasterers and Stucco Masons $47,210
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers $46,600
- Continuous Mining Machine Operators $46,500
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers $46,260
- Highway Maintenance Workers $46,250
- Glaziers $45,950
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $45,910
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $45,820
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles $45,490
- Roofers $44,440
- Helpers--Extraction Workers $44,340
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $43,680
- Fence Erectors $43,470
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $42,740
- Pipelayers $42,670
- Helpers--Electricians $39,610
- Tile and Stone Setters $38,920
- Construction Laborers $38,520
- Carpet Installers $38,130
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $37,080
- Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other $36,580
Healthcare practitioners 38
- Pediatricians, General $237,950
- Dentists, General $171,730
- Optometrists $154,630
- Physician Assistants $139,990
- Nurse Practitioners $138,440
- Pharmacists $137,600
- Veterinarians $126,710
- Nurse Midwives $118,650
- Speech-Language Pathologists $104,910
- Physical Therapists $101,130
- Occupational Therapists $99,220
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other $96,660
- Dental Hygienists $96,410
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $88,530
- Registered Nurses $88,260
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $84,150
- Chiropractors $80,950
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $74,060
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $71,920
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $67,370
- Respiratory Therapists $66,460
- Athletic Trainers $62,300
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $60,760
- Orthotists and Prosthetists $57,910
- Surgical Technologists $52,780
- Paramedics $50,340
- Medical Records Specialists $50,340
- Surgical Assistants $46,810
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $46,530
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $46,440
- Pharmacy Technicians $44,970
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $41,860
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars $41,240
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $37,980
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $37,510
- Psychiatric Technicians $37,300
- Opticians, Dispensing $36,910
- Emergency Medical Technicians $36,850
Installation, maintenance and repair 32
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $78,670
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers $77,880
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $77,600
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $76,480
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $73,680
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $72,570
- Riggers $67,910
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door $65,650
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians $64,390
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $62,210
- Rail Car Repairers $61,750
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $61,080
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $59,420
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $55,020
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $55,020
- Medical Equipment Repairers $54,210
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $51,720
- Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians $51,020
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $48,980
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $48,710
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $47,040
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $46,660
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers $45,560
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $45,440
- Home Appliance Repairers $45,250
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers $45,190
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $43,160
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $42,320
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $41,860
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers $40,240
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $37,100
- Tire Repairers and Changers $31,030
Management 28
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $215,730
- Chief Executives $148,790
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $139,330
- Purchasing Managers $131,710
- Managers, All Other $127,060
- Industrial Production Managers $122,310
- Financial Managers $122,180
- Medical and Health Services Managers $121,580
- Natural Sciences Managers $118,600
- Marketing Managers $118,460
- Human Resources Managers $117,280
- Public Relations Managers $112,490
- Emergency Management Directors $111,980
- Training and Development Managers $111,860
- Sales Managers $106,330
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $105,350
- Administrative Services Managers $104,520
- Facilities Managers $104,270
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $101,870
- Construction Managers $100,580
- General and Operations Managers $100,200
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $96,510
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $87,980
- Social and Community Service Managers $77,160
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $67,780
- Food Service Managers $62,860
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $60,300
- Lodging Managers $56,440
Business and financial 28
- Project Management Specialists $102,940
- Labor Relations Specialists $100,420
- Budget Analysts $99,590
- Logisticians $87,960
- Management Analysts $84,870
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $81,190
- Financial Risk Specialists $80,220
- Financial and Investment Analysts $79,150
- Personal Financial Advisors $77,710
- Accountants and Auditors $77,420
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $76,490
- Financial Specialists, All Other $75,550
- Financial Examiners $73,260
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $72,840
- Loan Officers $72,690
- Cost Estimators $69,040
- Compliance Officers $67,640
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $66,120
- Human Resources Specialists $65,180
- Fundraisers $63,740
- Training and Development Specialists $63,090
- Insurance Underwriters $62,390
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $60,200
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $55,350
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $51,860
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $47,600
- Credit Counselors $46,340
- Tax Preparers $38,070
Transport and material moving 26
- Air Traffic Controllers $145,290
- Commercial Pilots $85,140
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters $69,460
- Wellhead Pumpers $68,220
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers $65,240
- Transportation Inspectors $63,730
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $60,960
- Crane and Tower Operators $60,950
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $56,330
- Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers $51,380
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $49,580
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $48,360
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $46,810
- Bus Drivers, School $46,240
- Aircraft Service Attendants $44,680
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $43,450
- Light Truck Drivers $41,600
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $37,000
- Stockers and Order Fillers $35,670
- Driver/Sales Workers $34,870
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $34,510
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $30,300
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $29,920
- Parking Attendants $29,810
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $29,750
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians $29,520
Architecture and engineering 24
- Electrical Engineers $143,850
- Engineers, All Other $142,520
- Mechanical Engineers $141,490
- Nuclear Engineers $140,070
- Aerospace Engineers $139,770
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $121,800
- Industrial Engineers $119,390
- Petroleum Engineers $118,010
- Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers $114,930
- Civil Engineers $104,600
- Environmental Engineers $103,770
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters $88,790
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians $87,800
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors $86,880
- Mechanical Drafters $85,220
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $82,570
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians $77,460
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $77,070
- Surveyors $75,190
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians $71,760
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $60,360
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $59,290
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $59,050
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $55,760
Life, physical and social science 24
- Physicists $175,960
- Chemists $134,370
- Physical Scientists, All Other $127,090
- School Psychologists $100,100
- Hydrologists $96,660
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $89,860
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $79,820
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $79,250
- Biological Scientists, All Other $78,190
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $75,920
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $73,860
- Conservation Scientists $72,490
- Urban and Regional Planners $66,570
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $66,480
- Soil and Plant Scientists $65,730
- Anthropologists and Archeologists $65,410
- Chemical Technicians $62,610
- Forensic Science Technicians $61,890
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $60,680
- Survey Researchers $58,950
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $57,930
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $57,180
- Social Science Research Assistants $44,390
- Food Science Technicians $43,990
Personal care and service 19
- First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers $58,280
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $49,610
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers $45,970
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $45,760
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $38,000
- Skincare Specialists $36,000
- Residential Advisors $35,710
- Tour and Travel Guides $35,060
- Childcare Workers $34,240
- Funeral Attendants $33,570
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other $31,990
- Animal Trainers $31,510
- Recreation Workers $31,510
- Animal Caretakers $30,720
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $28,150
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $28,140
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops $27,270
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $27,140
- Gambling Dealers $26,710
Sales 19
- Real Estate Sales Agents $79,790
- Real Estate Brokers $77,940
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $77,900
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $74,370
- Telemarketers $66,700
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $64,290
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $59,130
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $59,020
- Insurance Sales Agents $46,990
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $45,600
- Advertising Sales Agents $42,670
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other $35,490
- Counter and Rental Clerks $35,440
- Travel Agents $35,250
- Parts Salespersons $34,340
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters $33,560
- Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers $31,440
- Retail Salespersons $31,360
- Cashiers $29,230
Arts, design, entertainment and media 18
- Technical Writers $78,840
- Producers and Directors $65,980
- Public Relations Specialists $65,770
- Editors $61,250
- Interpreters and Translators $59,010
- Graphic Designers $57,780
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $51,240
- Broadcast Technicians $50,810
- Audio and Video Technicians $48,210
- Film and Video Editors $46,600
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $46,420
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $43,250
- Photographers $41,600
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $38,530
- Coaches and Scouts $37,740
- Floral Designers $35,520
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $34,780
- Musicians and Singers not reported
Protective service 17
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $93,290
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $86,840
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other $77,980
- Protective Service Workers, All Other $66,640
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $63,340
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $61,360
- Transportation Security Screeners $60,590
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $59,020
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $57,930
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $47,420
- Private Detectives and Investigators $44,870
- Firefighters $42,920
- Security Guards $38,650
- Animal Control Workers $36,090
- School Bus Monitors $34,720
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $31,110
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $28,570
Computing and mathematics 16
- Information Security Analysts $133,780
- Software Developers $120,820
- Database Architects $120,120
- Computer Network Architects $113,070
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $105,520
- Computer Occupations, All Other $102,500
- Database Administrators $94,850
- Computer Systems Analysts $94,570
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $87,140
- Statisticians $86,310
- Data Scientists $85,040
- Computer Programmers $83,680
- Operations Research Analysts $77,930
- Computer Network Support Specialists $64,280
- Web and Digital Interface Designers $57,680
- Computer User Support Specialists $47,540
Healthcare support 15
- Occupational Therapy Assistants $69,850
- Physical Therapist Assistants $59,330
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $51,190
- Massage Therapists $47,660
- Medical Equipment Preparers $40,720
- Medical Assistants $39,000
- Dental Assistants $38,840
- Phlebotomists $38,480
- Nursing Assistants $37,030
- Pharmacy Aides $36,700
- Orderlies $36,580
- Physical Therapist Aides $35,760
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $35,600
- Medical Transcriptionists $34,730
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $27,390
Food preparation and serving 15
- Chefs and Head Cooks $55,170
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $39,670
- Cooks, Short Order $38,130
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other $35,540
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $34,240
- Cooks, Restaurant $34,110
- Bartenders $31,370
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $31,100
- Waiters and Waitresses $30,440
- Dishwashers $29,490
- Food Preparation Workers $29,350
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $28,970
- Cooks, Fast Food $28,830
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $28,650
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $27,910
Community and social service 14
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $76,490
- Community Health Workers $71,210
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $70,770
- Social Workers, All Other $68,950
- Marriage and Family Therapists $67,990
- Healthcare Social Workers $66,090
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $65,600
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $63,500
- Health Education Specialists $61,730
- Clergy $57,490
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $51,810
- Rehabilitation Counselors $51,540
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $49,530
- Social and Human Service Assistants $44,980
Building and grounds maintenance 7
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $55,730
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners $50,690
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $45,640
- Pest Control Workers $36,340
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $35,740
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $33,640
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $29,760
Farming, fishing and forestry 6
- First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers $53,910
- Agricultural Inspectors $52,460
- Agricultural Equipment Operators $35,460
- Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals $32,320
- Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products $29,760
- Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse $29,690
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in New Mexico?
The median across all occupations is $45,870 a year, or $22.05 an hour, covering 860,880 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in New Mexico?
Pediatricians, General ($237,950), Architectural and Engineering Managers ($215,730), Physicists ($175,960) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does New Mexico employ the most people in?
Home Health and Personal Care Aides, with 37,360 employed at a median of $27,390. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. New Mexico electricity averages 14.12¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.