Roswell vs Santa Fe: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Roswell, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roswell, NM | Santa Fe, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,838 | $113,375▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.08 | $54.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,059 | $74,355▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,071 | $90,951▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $121,144 | $133,101▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,549 | $164,187▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Santa Fe, NM offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Roswell.
The salary gap between Roswell and Santa Fe is $17,537 (18.30%). 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 Roswell spans $83,490,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 13.07% more than Roswell ($101,523 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Roswell 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 Roswell grew 9.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.4% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.
Roswell, NM
$85,196 (2024) → $93,382 (2025)
Santa Fe, NM
$80,980 (2019) → $110,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roswell, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Roswell or Santa Fe?
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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