Los Alamos vs Santa Fe: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Los Alamos, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Alamos, NM | Santa Fe, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,046 | $113,375▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.29 | $54.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,628 | $74,355▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $73,790 | $90,951▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $113,925 | $133,101▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,054 | $164,187▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Santa Fe, NM offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Alamos.
The salary gap between Los Alamos and Santa Fe is $23,329 (25.91%). Santa Fe's median is +9.55% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Alamos spans $73,426,Santa Fe spans $89,832. Santa Fe 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, Santa Fe ($114,790 effective) pays 20.34% 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 Los Alamos if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($113,375/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,187)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,790)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Los Alamos grew 9.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.4% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.
Los Alamos, NM
$80,047 (2024) → $87,738 (2025)
Santa Fe, NM
$80,980 (2019) → $110,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Alamos, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Los Alamos or Santa Fe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Alamos and Santa Fe?
Should I relocate from Los Alamos to Santa Fe as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Los Alamos vs Santa Fe?
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