Albuquerque vs South Valley: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Albuquerque, NM and South Valley, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | South Valley, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,844▲ | $94,610 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.85▲ | $45.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,747▲ | $62,203 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,905▲ | $78,380 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,434▲ | $121,101 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,374▲ | $146,646 |
| Total Employed | 680▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Valley.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and South Valley is $13,234 (13.99%). 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,South Valley spans $84,443. South Valley has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Albuquerque ($112,871 effective) pays 12.62% more than South Valley ($100,222 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)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,871)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose South Valley if…
- ✓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 9.6% growth in South Valley over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$90,450 (2019) → $105,080 (2025)
South Valley, NM
$84,104 (2024) → $92,186 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
South Valley, 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