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.
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | Purchasing Managers | Management | $135K | $64.8/hr |
| 32 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $135K | N/A |
| 33 | Financial Managers | Management | $134K | $64.28/hr |
| 34 | Aerospace Engineers | Engineering | $133K | $63.87/hr |
| 35 | Information Security Analysts | Technology | $130K | $62.54/hr |
| 36 | Veterinarians | Healthcare | $129K | $62.21/hr |
| 37 | Nurse Anesthetists | Healthcare | $129K | $62.2/hr |
| 38 | Industrial Engineers | Engineering | $128K | $61.58/hr |
| 39 | Computer Occupations, All Other | Technology | $127K | $61.1/hr |
| 40 | Chemists | Science | $127K | $61.04/hr |
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
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Metro areas in New Mexico
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Side-by-side salary and cost of living comparison
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After federal and state taxes
Can you afford a 2-bedroom in New Mexico?
Salary thresholds by HUD rent data
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Monthly budget breakdown with HUD and BLS data