Top Paying Jobs in New Mexico
New Mexico has 100 tracked occupation categories totaling 103,220 jobs. The highest-paying occupations include Emergency Medicine Physicians ($405,130), Anesthesiologists ($393,970), Surgeons, All Other ($363,940). The cost of living index is 93.06 (national average = 100). Median 2-bedroom rent is $1,119/month.
ⓘ
State-level averages. Salaries, rent, and cost of living vary significantly between metros. For more accurate data, select a metro area from the list below or browse all metros.
$138K
Avg. median salary
93.06
Cost of living index
$1,119
Median 2BR rent
2,117,764
Population
Highest paying careers in New Mexico
| Rank | Occupation | Category | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Dentists, General | Healthcare | $155K | $74.64/hr |
| 22 | Air Traffic Controllers | Transportation | $149K | $71.42/hr |
| 23 | Pharmacists | Healthcare | $147K | $70.67/hr |
| 24 | Emergency Management Directors | Management | $146K | $69.98/hr |
| 25 | Optometrists | Healthcare | $145K | $69.55/hr |
| 26 | Physician Assistants | Healthcare | $140K | $67.27/hr |
| 27 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | Management | $138K | $66.21/hr |
| 28 | Nurse Practitioners | Healthcare | $138K | $66.11/hr |
| 29 | Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | Engineering | $137K | $65.86/hr |
| 30 | Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | Transportation | $137K | N/A |
Affordability snapshot: New Mexico
These are statewide averages. Costs vary widely between metros, click into a specific city for precise numbers.
Cost of living vs. national average-6.9% less expensive
2-bedroom apartment (FMR)$1,119/mo
Planning a move? Compare costs with other locations:
Metro areas in New Mexico
Click a metro for detailed salary, rent, and cost-of-living data specific to that area.
Compare New Mexico to other cities
Side-by-side salary and cost of living comparison
Remote work salary calculator
See what your salary is worth in New Mexico
Calculate take-home pay in New Mexico
After federal and state taxes
Can you afford a 2-bedroom in New Mexico?
Salary thresholds by HUD rent data
What salary do you need to live comfortably in New Mexico?
Monthly budget breakdown with HUD and BLS data