Updated May 2026 · BLS OEWS 2025 reference period
63 Highest Paying Jobs in Albuquerque, NM (2026)
The highest-paying job in Albuquerque, NM, New Mexico is Pediatrician with a median salary of $214,520 as of 2026, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data. Across all 63 tracked occupations the average median is $101,926, with 27 occupations paying a six-figure ($100K+) median. Albuquerque, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94 (national average = 100), so a $101,926 nominal salary equals $108,432 in average-cost-metro buying power.
The 63 occupations below are ranked by median wage in Albuquerque, NM, NM, from BLS OEWS data. Albuquerque, NM's cost-of-living index runs 94.0 (national baseline = 100), which shapes the headline-wage interpretation. Top-paying occupations in any U.S. metro typically cluster around physicians, dentists, executives, tech specialists, and licensed professionals. The specific top of the list varies with local industry concentration: tech-heavy metros boost software-engineering ranks, finance-heavy metros boost banking ranks.
Each role on the ranking links to the per-role-and-city page with full percentile distribution (p10 to p90), employment count, and cost-adjusted wage. For workers comparing offers within Albuquerque, NM, the percentile data is the most decision-relevant.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Albuquerque, NM
Ranked by median (50th percentile) salary. The COL-Adjusted column rebases each nominal salary to Albuquerque, NM's cost-of-living index of 94 so you can compare buying power against an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $214,520 · 10th–90th $133,990–$313,200 · 140 jobs in metro
Pediatricians in Albuquerque, NM earn $214,520 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $313,200. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $228,213 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $185,200 · 10th–90th $64,490–$315,340 · 210 jobs in metro
Family Medicine Physicians in Albuquerque, NM earn $185,200 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $315,340. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $197,021 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $165,810 · 10th–90th $62,110–$209,220 · 70 jobs in metro
Optometrists in Albuquerque, NM earn $165,810 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $209,220. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $176,394 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $165,690 · 10th–90th $108,510–$285,530 · 220 jobs in metro
Software Quality Assurance Analysts in Albuquerque, NM earn $165,690 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $285,530. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $176,266 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $163,720 · 10th–90th $104,230–$202,680 · 1,280 jobs in metro
Electrical Engineers in Albuquerque, NM earn $163,720 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $202,680. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $174,170 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $163,630 · 10th–90th $94,950–$203,280 · 1,110 jobs in metro
Engineers (Other)s in Albuquerque, NM earn $163,630 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $203,280. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $174,074 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $147,000 · 10th–90th $104,180–$178,900 · 1,000 jobs in metro
Pharmacists in Albuquerque, NM earn $147,000 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $178,900. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $156,383 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $141,580 · 10th–90th $107,650–$305,790 · 460 jobs in metro
Dentists in Albuquerque, NM earn $141,580 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $305,790. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $150,617 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $140,950 · 10th–90th $110,880–$179,020 · 890 jobs in metro
Nurse Practitioners in Albuquerque, NM earn $140,950 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $179,020. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $149,947 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $140,200 · 10th–90th $90,990–$222,390 · 240 jobs in metro
Veterinarians in Albuquerque, NM earn $140,200 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $222,390. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $149,149 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Full Ranking (63 Occupations)
| Rank | Role | Category | Median | 10th–90th | COL-Adjusted | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pediatrician | Healthcare | $214,520 | $133,990–$313,200 | $228,213 | 140 |
| 2 | Family Medicine Physician | Healthcare | $185,200 | $64,490–$315,340 | $197,021 | 210 |
| 3 | Optometrist | Healthcare | $165,810 | $62,110–$209,220 | $176,394 | 70 |
| 4 | Software Quality Assurance Analyst | Technology | $165,690 | $108,510–$285,530 | $176,266 | 220 |
| 5 | Electrical Engineer | Engineering | $163,720 | $104,230–$202,680 | $174,170 | 1,280 |
| 6 | Engineers (Other) | Engineering | $163,630 | $94,950–$203,280 | $174,074 | 1,110 |
| 7 | Pharmacist | Healthcare | $147,000 | $104,180–$178,900 | $156,383 | 1,000 |
| 8 | Dentist | Healthcare | $141,580 | $107,650–$305,790 | $150,617 | 460 |
| 9 | Nurse Practitioner | Healthcare | $140,950 | $110,880–$179,020 | $149,947 | 890 |
| 10 | Veterinarian | Healthcare | $140,200 | $90,990–$222,390 | $149,149 | 240 |
| 11 | Financial Manager | Finance | $140,110 | $96,780–$221,470 | $149,053 | 1,430 |
| 12 | Physician Assistant | Healthcare | $139,920 | $69,430–$179,420 | $148,851 | 380 |
| 13 | Computer and Information Systems Manager | Technology | $139,530 | $98,180–$260,140 | $148,436 | 840 |
| 14 | Industrial Engineer | Engineering | $132,290 | $81,270–$208,000 | $140,734 | 820 |
| 15 | Information Security Analyst | Technology | $129,560 | $101,460–$203,850 | $137,830 | 1,240 |
| 16 | Computer Occupations (Other) | Technology | $127,820 | $65,860–$201,250 | $135,979 | 870 |
| 17 | Medical and Health Services Manager | Healthcare | $125,470 | $82,180–$201,770 | $133,479 | 1,550 |
| 18 | Software Developer | Technology | $123,700 | $78,290–$182,580 | $131,596 | 2,280 |
| 19 | Human Resources Manager | Management | $121,990 | $80,950–$205,090 | $129,777 | 430 |
| 20 | Marketing Manager | Management | $119,180 | $79,590–$197,470 | $126,787 | 490 |
| 21 | Lawyer | Legal | $114,610 | $77,600–$232,890 | $121,926 | 1,960 |
| 22 | Sales Manager | Management | $110,160 | $64,310–$208,020 | $117,191 | 860 |
| 23 | Computer Network Architect | Technology | $109,080 | $74,600–$154,790 | $116,043 | 220 |
| 24 | Software Quality Assurance Tester | Technology | $108,230 | $70,590–$160,430 | $115,138 | 230 |
| 25 | Civil Engineer | Engineering | $105,080 | $74,780–$155,290 | $111,787 | 680 |
| 26 | Physical Therapist | Healthcare | $103,510 | $77,570–$135,320 | $110,117 | 690 |
| 27 | Management Analyst | Management | $100,130 | $61,530–$139,480 | $106,521 | 2,030 |
| 28 | Occupational Therapist | Healthcare | $99,170 | $74,150–$133,050 | $105,500 | 550 |
| 29 | Speech-Language Pathologist | Healthcare | $99,160 | $61,630–$133,050 | $105,489 | 580 |
| 30 | Data Scientist | Technology | $98,750 | $58,260–$132,750 | $105,053 | 360 |
| 31 | Database Architect | Technology | $98,450 | $65,700–$141,580 | $104,734 | 240 |
| 32 | Computer Systems Analyst | Technology | $98,220 | $62,650–$140,670 | $104,489 | 1,240 |
| 33 | Registered Nurse | Healthcare | $96,040 | $80,090–$123,540 | $102,170 | 10,290 |
| 34 | Personal Financial Advisor | Finance | $95,990 | $64,380–$493,730 | $102,117 | 290 |
| 35 | Dental Hygienist | Healthcare | $95,900 | $83,670–$100,770 | $102,021 | 810 |
| 36 | General and Operations Manager | Management | $94,640 | $44,610–$217,000 | $100,681 | 7,670 |
| 37 | Audiologist | Healthcare | $92,440 | $64,770–$132,870 | $98,340 | 40 |
| 38 | Network Architect | Technology | $86,540 | $63,190–$124,370 | $92,064 | 650 |
| 39 | Financial Analyst | Finance | $86,420 | $63,630–$141,210 | $91,936 | 600 |
| 40 | Computer Programmer | Technology | $83,750 | $55,500–$121,370 | $89,096 | 370 |
| 41 | Business Professor (Postsecondary) | Education | $82,900 | $42,680–$178,210 | $88,191 | 210 |
| 42 | Accountant | Finance | $79,880 | $55,990–$126,260 | $84,979 | 3,260 |
| 43 | Statistician | Technology | $79,750 | $52,840–$124,520 | $84,840 | 140 |
| 44 | Web Designer | Technology | $77,920 | $59,260–$112,770 | $82,894 | 50 |
| 45 | Secondary School Teacher | Education | $76,960 | $59,840–$81,260 | $81,872 | 3,360 |
| 46 | Architect | Engineering | $76,520 | $47,840–$120,090 | $81,404 | 410 |
| 47 | Elementary School Teacher | Education | $75,520 | $60,470–$83,850 | $80,340 | 1,900 |
| 48 | Operations Research Analyst | Technology | $75,000 | $48,760–$157,750 | $79,787 | 250 |
| 49 | Public Relations Specialist | Creative | $73,640 | $47,990–$127,150 | $78,340 | 560 |
| 50 | Financial Examiner | Finance | $68,440 | $49,460–$116,540 | $72,809 | 120 |
| 51 | Plumber | Trades | $63,900 | $37,280–$87,920 | $67,979 | 1,440 |
| 52 | Graphic Designer | Creative | $63,810 | $38,980–$75,680 | $67,883 | 480 |
| 53 | Computer Network Support Specialist | Technology | $62,410 | $46,680–$99,530 | $66,394 | 710 |
| 54 | Loan Officer | Finance | $62,250 | $26,240–$104,500 | $66,223 | 630 |
| 55 | Market Research Analyst | Management | $62,040 | $41,640–$98,580 | $66,000 | 900 |
| 56 | Carpenter | Trades | $60,080 | $41,600–$79,450 | $63,915 | 1,940 |
| 57 | Paralegal | Legal | $59,370 | $41,050–$79,730 | $63,160 | 1,070 |
| 58 | Electrician | Trades | $59,120 | $36,650–$81,310 | $62,894 | 2,440 |
| 59 | Web Developer | Technology | $58,180 | $29,710–$123,910 | $61,894 | 100 |
| 60 | Writer/Author | Creative | $53,490 | $47,380–$93,100 | $56,904 | 60 |
| 61 | Welder | Trades | $49,980 | $37,040–$79,060 | $53,170 | 510 |
| 62 | Automotive Technician | Trades | $48,820 | $31,190–$79,240 | $51,936 | 2,320 |
| 63 | Clinical Laboratory Technologist | Healthcare | $47,240 | $36,770–$78,870 | $50,255 | 1,280 |
Why These Roles Pay the Most in Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque, NM's pay distribution reflects its mix of regional employers and industries, plus the local cost of living that affects nominal salary levels in the BLS data.
An average median salary above $90K places this metro in the top tier of U.S. cities for nominal pay. Most of that premium accrues to the upper percentiles of skilled and managerial occupations; entry-level and service-sector pay is closer to national norms.
Albuquerque, NM's cost-of-living index of 94 runs 6% below the U.S. national average. Lower nominal pay here often translates to comparable or better purchasing power than higher headline numbers in coastal hubs — see the COL-Adjusted column for the apples-to-apples figure.
How to Use This Ranking
For salary negotiation, the median is a starting anchor — not the ceiling. A Pediatrician with five-plus years of experience in Albuquerque, NM should be benchmarking against the 75th percentile ($263,860) or 90th percentile ($313,200), not the $214,520 median. Use the salary percentile calculator to place any specific salary into the BLS distribution for any role-and-city pair.
For cross-city comparisons, ignore the nominal Median column and look at COL-Adjusted. A $215K Pediatrician salary in Albuquerque, NM (COL 94) translates to $228K of buying power in an average-cost metro — that is the apples-to-apples figure when weighing a relocation. Read the methodology behind these adjustments in our methodology page.
For job hunting, focus on the top-10 ranking above and on the role-by-role detail pages — each links through to a Pediatrician in Albuquerque, NM page with full percentile breakdowns, year-over-year change, and prevailing-wage references for H-1B / PERM applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest paying job in Albuquerque, NM is Pediatrician with a median salary of $214,520 and a 90th-percentile reading of $313,200. The role employs roughly 140 workers in this metro according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2025 OEWS data.
27 of the 63 BLS-tracked occupations in Albuquerque, NM have a median salary of $100,000 or higher. That is well above what most U.S. metros offer. See the full list ranked by median salary above.
Across 63 BLS-tracked occupations, the average median salary in Albuquerque, NM is $101,926. The cost-of-living index is 94, so adjusted to a national-average baseline, the average is $108,432 in equivalent purchasing power.
Albuquerque, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94, below the national average. Nominal pay translates better than face value, making it a strong choice for many careers — particularly the Pediatrician, Family Medicine Physician, Optometrist occupations at the top of the ranking.
Every wage figure on this page is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program at bls.gov/oes — public domain federal survey data covering about 1.2 million U.S. employers across all industries. The OEWS publishes 10th, 25th, 50th (median), 75th, and 90th percentile wages by Metropolitan Statistical Area and Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code. The same data is used by the Department of Labor for prevailing wage determinations.
Related Pages
Rankings based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025 reference period. COL adjustments use a composite cost-of-living index calibrated to U.S. average = 100.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2026.