Santa Fe vs Taos: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Santa Fe, NM and Taos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Santa Fe, NM | Taos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $113,375▲ | $89,877 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.51▲ | $43.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,355▲ | $65,223 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,951▲ | $73,448 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,101▲ | $111,613 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,187▲ | $135,402 |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Santa Fe, NM offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Taos.
The salary gap between Santa Fe and Taos is $23,498 (26.14%). 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 Santa Fe spans $89,832,Taos spans $70,179. Santa Fe 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, Santa Fe ($114,790 effective) pays 20.57% more than Taos ($95,209 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Taos if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Santa Fe grew 36.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.6% growth in Taos over the same period.
Santa Fe, NM
$80,980 (2019) → $110,470 (2025)
Taos, NM
$79,897 (2024) → $87,574 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Santa Fe, 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