Average Physicists Salary in Albuquerque, NM
Physicists in Albuquerque, New Mexico, earn an average annual salary of $169,950. This figure is slightly below the national average of $177,260, suggesting that while Albuquerque offers competitive compensation, it may not reach the peak national earnings. Localized demand, industry presence, and the specific economic landscape of Albuquerque likely influence this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $169,950 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $221,470.
- Outlook: Albuquerque's physicist job market demonstrates a notable concentration, with a Location Quotient of 6.43, significantly exceeding the national average. This indicates a strong presence of physicists relative to the national workforce. While the total local workforce of 360 is modest, the high concentration suggests robust demand and potential opportunities for skilled professionals in this specialized field.
Salary Overview
The average Physicists in Albuquerque, NM earns-4.1%below the national average.
$81.7
$3,268
$14,163
Physicists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Albuquerque's physicist salaries is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, advancements in scientific research, and increased investment in technology sectors typically drive salary increases for highly skilled professionals like physicists.
Physicists Salary Distribution in Albuquerque, NM
The salary progression for physicists in Albuquerque, as in most markets, is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while senior physicists with extensive expertise and specialized skills can expect significantly higher compensation, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies clear career progression and the increasing value of experience in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $121,120 | $58.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $127,463 | $61.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $175,160 | $84.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $212,438 | $102.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $221,470 | $106.5 |
Detailed Physicists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$169,950
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$169,950
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $169,950 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), physicists relocating to Albuquerque can expect their nominal income to translate directly to purchasing power. The absence of a cost of living premium or discount means that the $169,950 salary offers a standard national equivalent in terms of affordability within Albuquerque.
Job Market Context
360
Total Jobs
0.89
Per 1K Jobs
6.43
Location Quotient
Albuquerque, NM has 6.4x the national concentration of Physicists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Albuquerque's physicist market is characterized by a very high Location Quotient of 6.43, indicating a substantial concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially robust local ecosystem for physics-related roles, possibly driven by research institutions or specific industries. While the absolute number of physicists is 360, the high quotient points to a market where physicists are a more prominent part of the local economy than elsewhere.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physicists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area Physicists Salary | $207,390↑ 22% | 29 mi |
Comparing salaries near Albuquerque, NM
Hiring Physicistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physicists make in Albuquerque, NM?
The median annual salary for a Physicists in Albuquerque, NM is $169,950. This typically ranges from $121,120 for entry-level positions to $221,470 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Albuquerque, NM is 4.1% lower than the national median of $177,260.
Is Albuquerque, NM a lucrative place for Physicists?
Yes, with a caveat.Albuquerque offers a strong concentration of physicist jobs (LQ 6.43) and a nominal salary of $169,950, which aligns with the national average cost of living. While the salary is slightly below the national average, the high demand indicated by the location quotient suggests good opportunities.
Is Albuquerque, NM a good place to live for Physicists?
The Cost of Living Index in Albuquerque, NM is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Albuquerque, NM?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area ($207,390) and others.
How does the Albuquerque physicist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for physicists in Albuquerque is $169,950, which is slightly lower than the national average of $177,260.
What does the Location Quotient of 6.43 mean for physicists in Albuquerque?
A Location Quotient of 6.43 signifies that Albuquerque has a significantly higher concentration of physicists relative to the national average, indicating strong local demand and a specialized job market.
How does the cost of living in Albuquerque affect a physicist's salary?
Albuquerque's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means that the physicist salary of $169,950 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of physicists employed in Albuquerque?
There are approximately 360 physicists employed in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 360 employees in the Albuquerque, NM area with a job density of 0.89 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Physicists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Albuquerque, NM