The highest paying jobs in New Mexico include physicians, psychiatrists, orthodontists, and chief executives. Physicians earn an average annual salary of over $250,000. Psychiatrists and orthodontists earn between $220,000 and $240,000. Chief executives typically earn around $200,000 depending on industry and experience.
New Mexico offers several high-paying job opportunities across multiple sectors. The healthcare, transportation, and technology industries lead the way, with specific roles providing annual salaries exceeding $150,000. These jobs are especially concentrated in cities like Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces, where demand, infrastructure, and growth prospects drive income levels higher.
Highest Paying Jobs in New Mexico – Salary Table
Here is a table summarizing the highest paying jobs in New Mexico, based on recent employment data.
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary | Entry Level Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Operator and Truck Driver | $172,918 | $114,000 |
| 2 | Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist | $167,819 | $110,000 |
| 3 | Owner/Operator | $154,158 | $103,000 |
| 4 | Family Practitioner | $153,628 | $94,000 |
| 5 | Clinical Physician Assistant | $146,136 | $92,000 |
| 6 | Emergency Medicine Specialist | $139,406 | $83,000 |
| 7 | Driver/Owner Operator | $135,296 | $77,000 |
| 8 | Contractor-Registered Nurse | $117,457 | $76,000 |
| 9 | Director of User Experience | $113,684 | $74,000 |
| 10 | Public Health Dentist | $113,010 | $65,000 |
Surgeons, Physicians, and Medical Professionals
Medical professionals hold the top spots for the highest paying jobs in New Mexico.
- Physicians earn over $250,000 per year on average. Specialties such as cardiology and orthopedics are among the top earners.
- Psychiatrists in New Mexico average salaries between $220,000 and $235,000, driven by growing demand for mental health care.
- Orthodontists also command high salaries, often earning around $240,000.
These positions require advanced medical degrees, residency training, and licensing, but offer exceptional income potential and job security.
Legal and Executive Leadership Roles
Chief executives in New Mexico earn approximately $200,000 per year, depending on their industry and years of experience. Leadership roles in healthcare, energy, and finance pay the most.
Other high-paying roles include:
- Corporate attorneys specializing in litigation, intellectual property, or healthcare law.
- Judges and legal consultants, especially in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Executives and legal professionals influence key decisions and operations, leading to high compensation.
Transportation & Owner-Operator Roles
Transportation jobs offer high salaries without requiring advanced degrees. For example:
- Operator and Truck Driver roles average $172,918 annually.
- Owner/Operator drivers earn around $154,158.
These positions typically require:
- A commercial driver’s license (CDL)
- Long-haul driving experience
- Clean safety records
These jobs are full time, often associated with freight logistics companies like WFS Group, and are essential for regional supply chains in New Mexico.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists & Advanced Nursing Roles
Nurse anesthetists are among the highest paid healthcare professionals in New Mexico outside of physician roles.
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) earn approximately $167,819 per year.
- Entry-level pay starts at around $110,000.
CRNAs require:
- A master’s or doctoral nursing degree
- Licensure and board certification
- Clinical training in anesthesiology
They provide critical support during surgical procedures, especially in rural and underserved areas across NM.
Tech, Engineering, and UX Design Roles
New Mexico’s technology sector is expanding rapidly, especially in cities like Albuquerque and Las Cruces.
High-paying tech jobs include:
- Director of User Experience: ~$113,684 average salary
- Network Architect: ~$121,501 average salary
- Information Security Analyst: ~$81,084
These roles require:
- Experience in UI/UX design, network infrastructure, or cybersecurity
- Often a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Skills in cloud services, analytics, and agile frameworks
Tech professionals support the performance security of digital platforms, and their skills are important to companies looking to verify you are human through secure interface systems.
Public Health and Dental Professionals
Public health dentists and family practitioners serve critical roles across New Mexico’s healthcare landscape.
- Family Practitioners earn an average of $153,628
- Public Health Dentists earn about $113,010
Many work full time for:
- Community health clinics
- State-funded hospitals
- Tribal health programs
Their roles involve client service, preventive care, and responding to regional health needs with consistency and expertis
Popular Questions About High-Paying Jobs in New Mexico
What industries in New Mexico offer the highest-paying jobs?
The healthcare industry dominates high-paying roles in New Mexico with positions such as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist ($167,819) and Family Practitioner ($153,628). Specialized transportation roles like Operator and Truck Driver ($172,918) and Owner/Operator ($154,158) are also top earners.
Are high-paying jobs concentrated in specific cities within New Mexico?
Yes. Albuquerque and Santa Fe offer the highest salaries due to major hospitals, government contracts, and tech hubs. Roles like Air Traffic Controller ($75,795) and Construction Manager (up to $104,779) are often based in these cities.
How can someone transition into a high-paying job in New Mexico without advanced degrees?
Trade and certification-based jobs offer excellent income with shorter training paths. For example:
– Radiation Therapist (~$82,360)
– Air Traffic Controller (~$75,795)
These roles require certifications, training programs, and specialized testing, but not a four-year degree.
What is the fastest-growing high-paying job sector in New Mexico?
Tech is the fastest-growing high-paying sector, especially in cybersecurity and cloud computing. Roles like Information Security Analyst ($81,084) and Network Architect ($121,501) are in high demand due to increased security needs and remote work infrastructure growth.
Final Takeaways
New Mexico offers many high-paying jobs across healthcare, transportation, and tech. Whether you’re looking for a full time executive role, a specialized healthcare position, or a certified driving job, you can earn six-figure salaries with the right training and location.
As always, review the security of your connection before proceeding with job applications, especially on public networks. Sites may ask you to verify you are human before completing actions for your safety. If prompted, complete any verification successful messages or security reviews to protect your data.
