Albuquerque vs Los Alamos: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Los Alamos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Los Alamos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,126▲ | $103,472 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.54▲ | $49.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,249▲ | $67,635 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,963▲ | $82,383 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,892 | $132,444▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,145▲ | $160,382 |
| Total Employed | 1,210▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Alamos.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Los Alamos is $1,654 (1.60%). Albuquerque's median is -11.60% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $90,896,Los Alamos spans $92,747. Los Alamos has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced construction managers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Albuquerque ($110,027 effective) pays 0.38% more than Los Alamos ($109,610 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albuquerque if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,126/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($163,145)
- ✓Larger job market (1,210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,027)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Los Alamos if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Albuquerque grew 16.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.0% growth in Los Alamos over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$87,320 (2019) → $101,650 (2025)
Los Alamos, NM
$80,047 (2024) → $100,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Los Alamos, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Albuquerque or Los Alamos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Los Alamos?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Los Alamos as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Albuquerque vs Los Alamos?
Written by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM
Career Analyst
Michael has 10 years of experience in construction management. He specializes in project scheduling and cost control. He works with a mid-sized general contracting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.42% 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 Michael Johnson, MS, CCM, a licensed construction manager with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov