Albuquerque vs Farmington: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Farmington, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Farmington, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,844▲ | $100,033 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.85▲ | $48.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,747▲ | $60,788 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,905▲ | $74,509 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,434▲ | $106,797 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,374▲ | $138,581 |
| Total Employed | 680▲ | 60 |
Verdict
Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Farmington.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Farmington is $7,811 (7.81%). Albuquerque's median is +4.21% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $82,627,Farmington spans $77,793. Albuquerque has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Farmington ($114,054 effective) pays 1.05% more than Albuquerque ($112,871 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albuquerque if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,844/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($159,374)
- ✓Larger job market (680 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Farmington if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,054)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Albuquerque grew 16.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.5% growth in Farmington over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$90,450 (2019) → $105,080 (2025)
Farmington, NM
$92,350 (2019) → $97,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Farmington, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov