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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Scientist in New Mexico is $116,538 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.
However, a Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Scientist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $131,089 | $10,924 | $2,521 | $63 |
| Average | $116,538 | $9,712 | $2,241 | $56 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,570 | $8,798 | $2,030 | $51 |
National Radio Astronomy Observatory - Luis Lopez, NM
National Radio Astronomy Observatory - Alameda, NM
National Radio Astronomy Observatory - Alameda, NM
National Radio Astronomy Observatory - Luis Lopez, NM
A Scientist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Scientist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Scientist positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Scientist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $163,153 | $78.0 | 40% |
| Healthcare | $151,500 | $73.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $139,846 | $67.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $128,192 | $62.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Scientist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $131,089 | $10,924 | $2,521 | $63 |
| Average | $116,538 | $9,712 | $2,241 | $56 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,570 | $8,798 | $2,030 | $51 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Scientist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Roadrunner Venture Studio
Albuquerque, NM
Roadrunner Venture Studio | Albuquerque, NM
Job Description. Job Description. About Halo Materials. Halo Materials is a venture-backed advanced materials company pioneering novel technologies to prod... more
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Mirion Technologies (Canberra), Inc.
Los Alamos, NM
Mirion Technologies (Canberra), Inc. | Los Alamos, NM
Job Description. Job Description. Operate Canberra Gamma systems and NDA systems. Review data and prepare reports. This position is located in Los Alamos, ... more
4 Days Ago
Department of Health and Human Services
Taos, NM
Department of Health and Human Services | Taos, NM
Job Title. Clinical Laboratory Scientist. Job Description. Perform routine and specialized clinical laboratory testing using manual and automated methodolo... more
4 Days Ago
US Government Jobs
Mescalero, NM
US Government Jobs | Mescalero, NM
Supervisory Clinical Laboratory Scientist. This position is located at the Mescalero Service Unit in Mescalero, New Mexico, a scenic mountain community kno... more
4 Days Ago
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Albuquerque, NM
US Department of Veterans Affairs | Albuquerque, NM
Job Title. VA Careers - Microbiology/Molecular Medical Technologist. Job Description. The Clinical Laboratory Scientist rotates on a regular basis through ... more
4 Days Ago
Department of Health and Human Services
Bloomfield, NM
Department of Health and Human Services | Bloomfield, NM
Job Title. Clinical Laboratory Scientist. Job Description. Perform routine and specialized clinical laboratory testing using manual and automated methodolo... more
6 Days Ago
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