Sam SmithAlbuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, offers a distinctive mix of cultural heritage and modern innovation, reflected in its thriving job market. The city’s economy is powered by national laboratories, healthcare institutions, and a growing technology sector. For professionals with advanced education, specialized training, and technical expertise,
Albuquerque provides lucrative career opportunities across diverse fields. Understanding the top-paying careers here helps job seekers, graduates, and professionals make informed decisions about their career paths and earning potential.
High-paying Jobs in Albuquerque
1. Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiologists are among the highest-paid professionals in Albuquerque’s healthcare system. They play a vital role during surgeries, administering anesthesia and monitoring patients throughout procedures. Because the city’s hospitals handle a wide range of complex surgeries, experienced anesthesiologists are in constant demand.
The position requires extensive education — a medical degree plus residency training — and offers high compensation due to the critical, high-risk nature of their work and the precision it requires.
2. Surgeon
Surgeons in Albuquerque are essential to both public and private healthcare institutions, performing intricate operations that save lives daily. With specialties ranging from orthopedics to cardiovascular surgery, their expertise commands exceptional pay.
Surgeons must complete medical school and years of residency training. The workload is demanding, often involving long hours and high stress, but the profession’s rewards — in both compensation and social impact — are among the most significant in the city’s healthcare sector.
3. Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, a growing need in Albuquerque due to increasing mental health awareness and limited access to specialists in rural New Mexico. They evaluate, diagnose, and prescribe treatment plans that often include therapy and medication.
With years of education, including medical school and psychiatry residency, psychiatrists command high salaries. Their work is essential to community health, bridging the gap between physical and mental well-being across hospitals and private practices.
4. Orthodontist
Orthodontists in Albuquerque earn high incomes by improving dental alignment and correcting bite issues. Their services are in steady demand across family dental clinics and private practices, particularly among young families.
This profession requires a dental degree plus several years of orthodontic specialization. High earnings reflect the skill, precision, and artistry needed to create lasting results. As dental aesthetics and oral health awareness grow, orthodontists enjoy strong job security and excellent opportunities for private practice ownership.
5. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform complex surgeries on the mouth, jaw, and face — treating trauma, deformities, and severe dental issues. In Albuquerque, these specialists are highly compensated due to the complexity of their work and the additional surgical training required beyond dentistry school.
They often collaborate with hospitals and dental clinics, handling procedures such as wisdom tooth extractions, corrective jaw surgery, and implants. Precision, dexterity, and medical expertise make this one of the city’s most lucrative healthcare professions.
6. Physician (General)
General physicians provide comprehensive healthcare across Albuquerque’s clinics and hospitals, diagnosing and treating a broad range of conditions. They form the backbone of New Mexico’s medical network, often managing patient referrals to specialists.
Their earnings reflect extensive education and high responsibility levels. With physician shortages in many parts of the state, Albuquerque’s medical community offers competitive salaries to attract qualified doctors, ensuring access to quality primary care for a growing and diverse population.
7. Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/GYN)
OB/GYNs play a crucial role in Albuquerque’s healthcare landscape, focusing on women’s reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. They are essential in both private practices and hospital maternity wards.
Their responsibilities demand advanced medical knowledge, surgical skills, and compassion. Years of medical and residency training are required. The high pay mirrors the importance of their work, as they manage delicate, often life-critical procedures that ensure safe deliveries and ongoing reproductive health for women across the region.
8. Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) provide anesthesia during surgical and medical procedures, often working independently or alongside anesthesiologists. Albuquerque’s hospitals value CRNAs for their advanced skills and ability to handle high-pressure situations.
The role requires a master’s or doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia, plus certification. Compensation is excellent, reflecting both the technical expertise and responsibility for patient safety during surgery. CRNAs are in high demand across Albuquerque due to the region’s ongoing healthcare staffing needs.
9. Podiatrist
Podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle disorders, helping patients maintain mobility and comfort. In Albuquerque, demand for podiatric care is increasing due to an aging population and high diabetes rates. The profession requires a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree and residency training.
Many podiatrists run private practices or work with hospitals. Their salaries are substantial, reflecting specialized expertise that improves quality of life, reduces pain, and prevents complications from chronic conditions.
10. Pharmacist
Pharmacists in Albuquerque ensure safe and effective medication use for patients, collaborating with doctors and healthcare providers. They work in hospitals, clinics, and retail pharmacies, verifying prescriptions and counseling patients on proper use.
The role requires a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree and licensing. Salaries are high due to the responsibility of preventing drug errors and managing patient outcomes. With healthcare expansion and telepharmacy growth, Albuquerque pharmacists continue to enjoy stable demand and strong pay.
11. Dentist
Dentists in Albuquerque diagnose and treat oral health problems, performing procedures such as fillings, root canals, and cosmetic restorations. They often operate private practices, giving them flexibility and high earning potential. A Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree is required.
With increasing focus on preventive care and aesthetics, skilled dentists are well-compensated. Albuquerque’s steady population growth ensures continuous demand for dental services, making it a financially and personally rewarding profession.
12. Optometrist
Optometrists provide vision care, conduct eye exams, and prescribe corrective lenses. In Albuquerque, they play a key role in detecting eye diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. The position requires a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree.
High pay reflects the technical skill and precision involved in eye care. With the city’s aging population and expanding healthcare services, optometrists benefit from stable employment opportunities and growing demand for both medical and vision-related eye care.
13. Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Nurse Practitioners serve as advanced healthcare providers who diagnose, treat, and manage patient care. In Albuquerque, they help address physician shortages by providing primary and specialty care. The role requires a master’s or doctoral nursing degree and national certification.
NPs earn strong salaries, reflecting their autonomy and critical role in healthcare delivery. Their ability to prescribe medication and perform diagnostic tests makes them indispensable in clinics, hospitals, and community health programs across the city.
14. Physician Assistant (PA)
Physician Assistants in Albuquerque provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare under physician supervision. They perform exams, order tests, and assist in surgeries. A master’s degree in physician assistant studies and national certification are required.
PAs are in high demand due to growing patient loads and physician shortages. Their salaries are excellent, reflecting extensive training and flexibility across medical specialties. In Albuquerque’s expanding healthcare network, PAs play a vital role in ensuring timely, high-quality patient care.
15. Health Services Manager (Hospital Administrator)
Hospital administrators oversee the planning, coordination, and management of healthcare operations. In Albuquerque’s major hospitals and clinics, they handle budgets, staffing, and compliance, ensuring efficient and effective patient care.
The role requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in healthcare administration or business. High salaries reflect leadership responsibility in a high-stakes environment. Administrators must balance medical, financial, and ethical priorities — a challenging but rewarding role essential to the city’s healthcare infrastructure.
16. Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists help patients recover mobility and function after injuries or surgeries. In Albuquerque, demand is rising due to active lifestyles, sports culture, and an aging population. PTs evaluate patients and design personalized rehabilitation plans.
A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and state licensure are required. The profession offers high pay, flexibility, and emotional fulfillment, as therapists witness patients regain independence and improve quality of life through targeted physical rehabilitation programs.
17. Veterinarian
Veterinarians care for animals’ health, diagnosing illnesses, performing surgeries, and providing preventive care. In Albuquerque, pet ownership rates are high, fueling strong demand for veterinary services.
The position requires a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and licensure. Veterinarians earn excellent salaries, especially those with specialized skills in surgery or exotic animal care. Many operate private practices or work in research and public health. Compassion and medical expertise make this a rewarding and respected career.
18. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Clinical Nurse Specialists are advanced practice nurses who provide expert advice and care in specialized areas like oncology, cardiology, or pediatrics. In Albuquerque, they improve patient outcomes by guiding nursing teams and implementing evidence-based practices.
A master’s or doctoral degree in nursing is required. Salaries are high due to their leadership and advanced clinical roles. CNSs bridge bedside care and hospital management, helping to enhance healthcare efficiency and quality throughout the city’s medical facilities.
19. Radiation Therapist
Radiation therapists deliver radiation treatments to cancer patients under oncologists’ direction. In Albuquerque’s advanced cancer centers, they operate high-tech equipment with precision. The role requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy and certification.
It offers strong pay due to the technical skills and emotional resilience required. Radiation therapists are crucial members of oncology teams, ensuring accurate treatment delivery and patient comfort during one of the most critical phases of cancer care.
20. Registered Nurse (Experienced/Specialized)
Experienced Registered Nurses are the backbone of Albuquerque’s healthcare workforce, providing direct patient care in hospitals, clinics, and specialty units. Those with certifications in areas like critical care, emergency, or oncology earn significantly higher salaries.
A nursing degree and state licensure are required. RNs combine technical skills with compassion, often managing complex cases under pressure. In a city with persistent nurse shortages, experienced nurses enjoy excellent job security and rewarding, well-compensated careers.
High-Paying Jobs in Albuquerque — Full Table (100 entries)
| No. | Job Title | Category | Average Salary Range (USD) | Education / Training | Job Security / Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anesthesiologist | Medical & Healthcare | $250,000 – $450,000 | MD/DO, anesthesiology residency, board certification | Very High — essential specialty with steady demand |
| 2 | Surgeon | Medical & Healthcare | $230,000 – $450,000+ | MD/DO, surgical residency, board certification | Very High — high skill, high demand |
| 3 | Psychiatrist | Medical & Healthcare | $220,000 – $320,000 | MD/DO, psychiatry residency, license | Very High — growing mental health needs |
| 4 | Orthodontist | Medical & Healthcare | $200,000 – $350,000 | DDS/DMD + orthodontic specialty training | Very High — private practice profitability |
| 5 | Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon | Medical & Healthcare | $220,000 – $380,000 | DDS/DMD + surgical residency | Very High — specialized surgical demand |
| 6 | Physician (General) | Medical & Healthcare | $180,000 – $300,000 | MD/DO, residency, license | Very High — core healthcare need |
| 7 | Obstetrician/Gynecologist | Medical & Healthcare | $220,000 – $360,000 | MD/DO, OB/GYN residency | Very High — steady clinical demand |
| 8 | Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | Medical & Healthcare | $170,000 – $210,000 | MSN/DNP, CRNA certification | Very High — high pay, rural coverage demand |
| 9 | Podiatrist | Medical & Healthcare | $120,000 – $190,000 | DPM, podiatric residency | High — niche but stable demand |
| 10 | Pharmacist | Medical & Healthcare | $110,000 – $150,000 | PharmD, state licensure | High — hospital & retail roles stable |
| 11 | Dentist | Medical & Healthcare | $140,000 – $250,000 | DDS/DMD, licensure | High — private practice income potential |
| 12 | Optometrist | Medical & Healthcare | $110,000 – $160,000 | OD, state licensure | High — consistent outpatient demand |
| 13 | Nurse Practitioner (NP) | Medical & Healthcare | $95,000 – $135,000 | MSN/DNP, NP certification | Very High — primary care access support |
| 14 | Physician Assistant (PA) | Medical & Healthcare | $100,000 – $140,000 | MS/MPA, PA certification | Very High — expanding utilization |
| 15 | Health Services Manager (Hospital Admin) | Medical & Healthcare | $100,000 – $160,000 | BS/MS Health Admin, experience | High — leadership & operations demand |
| 16 | Physical Therapist | Medical & Healthcare | $80,000 – $110,000 | DPT, licensure | High — aging population drives demand |
| 17 | Veterinarian | Medical & Healthcare | $85,000 – $130,000 | DVM, licensure | High — companion & agricultural demand |
| 18 | Clinical Nurse Specialist | Medical & Healthcare | $90,000 – $125,000 | MSN/PhD, specialty certification | High — specialist nursing roles growing |
| 19 | Radiation Therapist | Medical & Healthcare | $75,000 – $100,000 | Associate/Bachelor’s + certification | High — oncology treatment need |
| 20 | Registered Nurse (Experienced/Specialized) | Medical & Healthcare | $75,000 – $110,000 | BSN, specialty certifications | Very High — perennial staffing need |
| 21 | Speech-Language Pathologist | Medical & Healthcare | $70,000 – $95,000 | MA/CCC-SLP, licensure | High — schools & healthcare settings |
| 22 | Occupational Therapist | Medical & Healthcare | $75,000 – $105,000 | MS/OTD, licensure | High — rehab & geriatric care demand |
| 23 | Medical & Health Services Manager (Clinical Manager) | Medical & Healthcare | $95,000 – $150,000 | BS/MS Health Admin, clinical experience | High — operational leadership need |
| 24 | Sonographer (Chief/Lead) | Medical & Healthcare | $70,000 – $95,000 | Associate/Bachelor’s + credentials | High — diagnostic imaging essential |
| 25 | Respiratory Therapy Director | Medical & Healthcare | $85,000 – $120,000 | BS + RRT, management experience | High — respiratory care importance |
| 26 | Engineering Manager | Engineering & Technology | $130,000 – $170,000 | BS/MS Engineering, leadership experience | Very High — Sandia & defense demand |
| 27 | Computer & Information Systems Manager (IT Director) | Engineering & Technology | $120,000 – $160,000 | BS/MS CS/IT, managerial experience | Very High — critical for institutions |
| 28 | Petroleum Engineer | Engineering & Technology | $110,000 – $160,000 | BS Petroleum/Mechanical, PE preferred | Moderate — market-dependent but well-paid |
| 29 | Chemical Engineer | Engineering & Technology | $100,000 – $145,000 | BS/MS Chemical, industry experience | High — manufacturing & research roles |
| 30 | Aerospace Engineer | Engineering & Technology | $100,000 – $150,000 | BS/MS Aerospace, security clearances helpful | Very High — local aerospace hub support |
| 31 | Electrical Engineer | Engineering & Technology | $95,000 – $130,000 | BS/MS Electrical, PE desirable | High — utilities, defense, manufacturing |
| 32 | Computer Hardware Engineer | Engineering & Technology | $100,000 – $140,000 | BS/MS EE/Computer Eng | High — defense & Intel-related roles |
| 33 | Materials Engineer | Engineering & Technology | $90,000 – $125,000 | BS/MS Materials Science | Moderate — niche but relevant to labs |
| 34 | Nuclear Engineer | Engineering & Technology | $100,000 – $140,000 | BS/MS Nuclear Eng, security clearance | Moderate — specialized roles, steady in gov. |
| 35 | Mechanical Engineer | Engineering & Technology | $85,000 – $120,000 | BS/MS Mechanical, PE possible | High — broad industry applicability |
| 36 | Software Developer (Principal/Lead) | Engineering & Technology | $110,000 – $150,000 | BS/MS CS, strong experience | Very High — tech & defense contracting growth |
| 37 | Data Scientist (Senior) | Engineering & Technology | $100,000 – $140,000 | MS/PhD Data Science or related | Very High — analytics demand strong |
| 38 | Cybersecurity Manager | Engineering & Technology | $110,000 – $150,000 | BS/MS Cybersecurity, certs (CISSP) | Very High — critical for labs & gov |
| 39 | Cloud Architect | Engineering & Technology | $110,000 – $150,000 | BS/MS CS, cloud certs (AWS/Azure) | Very High — cloud migration drives demand |
| 40 | DevOps Engineer (Lead) | Engineering & Technology | $100,000 – $135,000 | BS CS, DevOps experience | Very High — automation & CI/CD essential |
| 41 | Computer Network Architect | Engineering & Technology | $100,000 – $140,000 | BS Networking, Cisco certs | High — infrastructure backbone roles |
| 42 | Systems Software Developer | Engineering & Technology | $95,000 – $135,000 | BS/MS CS, systems programming expertise | High — low-level & embedded systems need |
| 43 | Electronics Engineer (except Computer) | Engineering & Technology | $90,000 – $125,000 | BS EE, domain experience | High — hardware & instrumentation demand |
| 44 | Civil Engineer (Senior/Project Manager) | Engineering & Technology | $90,000 – $130,000 | BS/MS Civil, PE preferred | Very High — infrastructure projects ongoing |
| 45 | Industrial Engineer | Engineering & Technology | $85,000 – $120,000 | BS Industrial Eng, process improvement skills | High — manufacturing & logistics focused |
| 46 | Environmental Engineer | Engineering & Technology | $80,000 – $115,000 | BS/MS Environmental/Civil | High — regulatory & sustainability needs |
| 47 | Architect (Senior/Project Manager) | Engineering & Technology | $95,000 – $140,000 | BArch/MArch, licensure | High — private & public construction demand |
| 48 | Surveyor (Manager) | Engineering & Technology | $75,000 – $110,000 | BS Surveying/Civil, certification | Moderate — construction & land development |
| 49 | Construction Manager | Engineering & Technology | $90,000 – $130,000 | BS Construction Mgmt/Engineering | High — ongoing development projects |
| 50 | Civil Engineering Technician (Senior/Managerial) | Engineering & Technology | $65,000 – $95,000 | Associate/BS + experience | High — supports civil engineering projects |
| 51 | Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | Business, Management & Finance | $150,000 – $400,000+ | MBA/experience, executive track record | Variable — performance-based, high upside |
| 52 | Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | Business, Management & Finance | $140,000 – $280,000 | CPA/MBA, finance leadership | High — critical for corporate stability |
| 53 | Marketing Manager | Business, Management & Finance | $95,000 – $140,000 | BS Marketing / MBA preferred | Moderate — tied to company budgets |
| 54 | Sales Manager | Business, Management & Finance | $90,000 – $150,000+ | BS Business, sales experience | High — revenue-driving function |
| 55 | Compensation & Benefits Manager | Business, Management & Finance | $100,000 – $145,000 | BS HR/Finance, total rewards expertise | High — competitive labor markets increase need |
| 56 | Human Resources Manager | Business, Management & Finance | $90,000 – $130,000 | BS HR/Business, leadership experience | Very High — essential organizational role |
| 57 | Financial Manager | Business, Management & Finance | $110,000 – $160,000 | BS Finance/Accounting, CPA or MBA | High — cross-industry need |
| 58 | Actuary | Business, Management & Finance | $110,000 – $160,000 | BS Actuarial Science, actuarial exams | Very High — specialized, data-driven role |
| 59 | Management Analyst (Principal) | Business, Management & Finance | $90,000 – $130,000 | BS/MBA, consulting experience | High — optimization & strategy demand |
| 60 | Training & Development Manager | Business, Management & Finance | $85,000 – $120,000 | BS HR/Ed, L&D experience | High — workforce development focus |
| 61 | Purchasing Manager | Business, Management & Finance | $85,000 – $120,000 | BS Supply Chain/Business | High — procurement critical to operations |
| 62 | Administrative Services Manager | Business, Management & Finance | $75,000 – $105,000 | BS Business/Management | High — organizational backbone role |
| 63 | Accountant (CPA, Senior) | Business, Management & Finance | $75,000 – $110,000 | BS Accounting, CPA | Very High — core financial function |
| 64 | Budget Analyst (Director) | Business, Management & Finance | $85,000 – $125,000 | BS Finance/Public Admin | High — government & institutional demand |
| 65 | Financial Analyst (Senior/Portfolio Manager) | Business, Management & Finance | $85,000 – $130,000 | BS Finance, CFA preferred | High — investment & corporate finance |
| 66 | Judge / Magistrate | Legal, Education & Public Service | $120,000 – $200,000+ | JD, extensive legal experience | Very High — public appointment, stable |
| 67 | Lawyer | Legal, Education & Public Service | $90,000 – $180,000+ | JD, Bar admission | High — corporate, IP, government demand |
| 68 | Postsecondary Education Administrator (Dean/Provost) | Legal, Education & Public Service | $95,000 – $160,000 | PhD/MEd/EdD, academic leadership | High — university leadership roles |
| 69 | School Superintendent | Legal, Education & Public Service | $110,000 – $180,000 | EdD/Leadership degree, K-12 experience | Very High — district leadership, stable |
| 70 | Police Chief / Sheriff | Legal, Education & Public Service | $85,000 – $140,000 | Extensive law enforcement experience | Very High — public safety leadership |
| 71 | Fire Chief | Legal, Education & Public Service | $75,000 – $120,000 | Fire science degree, leadership experience | Very High — essential municipal role |
| 72 | Economics Professor | Legal, Education & Public Service | $80,000 – $130,000 | PhD Economics | High — academic stability with tenure track |
| 73 | Engineering Professor | Legal, Education & Public Service | $90,000 – $140,000 | PhD Engineering | High — STEM faculty demand |
| 74 | Computer Science Professor | Legal, Education & Public Service | $85,000 – $130,000 | PhD or MS with strong record | High — tech education priority |
| 75 | Law Professor | Legal, Education & Public Service | $95,000 – $160,000 | JD + academic credentials | High — legal academia stable |
| 76 | Physics Professor | Legal, Education & Public Service | $80,000 – $125,000 | PhD Physics | Moderate — research funding dependent |
| 77 | Political Science Professor | Legal, Education & Public Service | $70,000 – $110,000 | PhD Political Science | Moderate — academic demand stable |
| 78 | Sociology Professor | Legal, Education & Public Service | $65,000 – $100,000 | PhD Sociology | Moderate — tenure-track availability varies |
| 79 | Anthropology Professor | Legal, Education & Public Service | $65,000 – $100,000 | PhD Anthropology | Moderate — specialized academic roles |
| 80 | Social Work Professor (Senior) | Legal, Education & Public Service | $70,000 – $110,000 | PhD/MSW with senior experience | High — social services education demand |
| 81 | Air Traffic Controller | Skilled Trades & Specialized | $90,000 – $150,000 | FAA training, specialized certification | Very High — critical safety role |
| 82 | Commercial Pilot | Skilled Trades & Specialized | $80,000 – $150,000 | Commercial pilot license, flight hours | High — regional & charter demand |
| 83 | Power Plant Operator | Skilled Trades & Specialized | $70,000 – $110,000 | Technical training, on-the-job certs | High — energy infrastructure necessity |
| 84 | Transportation, Storage & Distribution Manager | Skilled Trades & Specialized | $80,000 – $125,000 | BS Logistics/Business, experience | High — supply chain resilience needed |
| 85 | First-Line Supervisor of Police & Detectives | Skilled Trades & Specialized | $70,000 – $100,000 | Law enforcement experience, leadership | High — supervisory role in public safety |
| 86 | Detective / Criminal Investigator | Skilled Trades & Specialized | $65,000 – $95,000 | Law enforcement training, investigative experience | High — ongoing investigative need |
| 87 | Elevator Installer / Repairer | Skilled Trades & Specialized | $80,000 – $115,000 | Apprenticeship, certification | High — specialized union trade |
| 88 | Electrical Power-Line Installer / Repairer | Skilled Trades & Specialized | $75,000 – $110,000 | Apprenticeship, lineman certification | Very High — critical infrastructure work |
| 89 | Radiation Therapist | Skilled Trades & Specialized | $75,000 – $100,000 | Associate/Bachelor’s + certification | High — oncology service demand |
| 90 | Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | Skilled Trades & Specialized | $65,000 – $95,000 | Associate/Bachelor’s + ARDMS cert | High — imaging in healthcare settings |
| 91 | MRI Technologist | Skilled Trades & Specialized | $70,000 – $105,000 | Associate/Bachelor’s + MRI certification | High — high-tech diagnostic role |
| 92 | Dental Hygienist | Skilled Trades & Specialized | $65,000 – $95,000 | Associate degree + licensure | High — preventive care steady demand |
| 93 | Web Developer (Senior / Managerial) | Skilled Trades & Specialized | $85,000 – $120,000 | BS CS/related, strong portfolio | High — digital services growth |
| 94 | Database Architect | Skilled Trades & Specialized | $100,000 – $140,000 | BS CS/IT, DB certifications | High — data infrastructure critical |
| 95 | Information Security Analyst (Senior) | Skilled Trades & Specialized | $95,000 – $140,000 | BS Cybersecurity, certs (CISSP) | Very High — cyber threat landscape |
| 96 | Real Estate Broker (Senior) | Skilled Trades & Specialized | $70,000 – $150,000+ (commission) | Real estate license, experience | Variable — market-dependent, high upside |
| 97 | Loan Officer (Commercial) | Skilled Trades & Specialized | $80,000 – $130,000+ | BS Finance, banking experience | High — commercial lending demand |
| 98 | Insurance Sales Agent (Senior/Management) | Skilled Trades & Specialized | $70,000 – $120,000+ | License, sales experience | High — financial services stability |
| 99 | Food Service Manager (High-Volume) | Skilled Trades & Specialized | $60,000 – $95,000 | BS Hospitality/Business, ops experience | Moderate — industry-sensitive but stable venues |
| 100 | Farm / Ranch Manager (Large Operation) | Skilled Trades & Specialized | $65,000 – $110,000 | Ag degree/experience, management skills | Moderate — commodity & weather dependent |
Notes & Disclaimer:
- Salary ranges are approximate and intended as general guidance. They combine national/regional data, industry norms, and Albuquerque’s economic profile. Actual pay varies by employer, years of experience, certifications, and market conditions.
- Job Security / Outlook is a qualitative estimate based on typical demand, regional industry presence (e.g., Sandia, UNM Health), and cyclic risks (energy, construction, etc.). Labels: Very High, High, Moderate, Variables.
Closing
In summary, Albuquerque’s economy is rich with opportunities for those equipped with the right skills, experience, and credentials. From highly specialized healthcare professionals to experts in technology, engineering, and management, the city rewards excellence and innovation with competitive salaries. As industries continue to evolve—especially in renewable energy, defense, and data science—these high-paying professions are poised for even greater growth. Staying informed about these trends can help professionals strategically plan their careers and maximize their long-term earning potential.