Farmington vs Los Alamos: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Farmington, NM and Los Alamos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Farmington, NM | Los Alamos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,033▲ | $90,046 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.09▲ | $43.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,788 | $65,628▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,509▲ | $73,790 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,797 | $113,925▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $138,581 | $139,054▲ |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Farmington, NM offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Alamos.
The salary gap between Farmington and Los Alamos is $9,987 (11.09%). Farmington's median is -3.34% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Farmington spans $77,793,Los Alamos spans $73,426. Farmington 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 19.57% more than Los Alamos ($95,388 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Farmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,033/year)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,054)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Los Alamos if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,054)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Farmington grew 5.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.6% growth in Los Alamos over the same period.
Farmington, NM
$92,350 (2019) → $97,470 (2025)
Los Alamos, NM
$80,047 (2024) → $87,738 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Farmington, NM
Los Alamos, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Farmington or Los Alamos?
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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