Marine Biologist Salary in New Mexico
2025 Average – Entry to Mid-Level
Marine Biologist Salary in New Mexico (2025)
As of 2025, the average annual salary for a Marine Biologist in New Mexico is $42,054 per year, which works out to approximately $3,504 per month, $808 per week, or $20.22 per hour.
While New Mexico is a landlocked state, it still offers opportunities for biology and environmental science professionals—particularly in areas like aquatic research, ecosystem restoration, and environmental management involving rivers, reservoirs, and desert ecosystems.
Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Marine Biologist Jobs in New Mexico
We’ve identified 6 cities in New Mexico where the average Marine Biologist salary is above the state average. Roswell ranks first, followed by Las Cruces and South Valley. South Valley’s average pay is 1.9% higher than the state average, while Roswell leads the list with salaries $906 (2.2%) above the statewide median of $42,054.
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roswell | $42,960 | $3,580 | $826 | $20.65 |
| Las Cruces | $42,929 | $3,577 | $825 | $20.64 |
| South Valley | $42,871 | $3,572 | $824 | $20.61 |
| Santa Fe | $42,434 | $3,536 | $816 | $20.40 |
| Bernalillo County | $42,143 | $3,511 | $810 | $20.26 |
| Albuquerque | $42,059 | $3,504 | $808 | $20.22 |
| Los Lunas | $42,042 | $3,503 | $808 | $20.21 |
| Alamogordo | $41,337 | $3,444 | $794 | $19.87 |
| Los Alamos | $39,445 | $3,287 | $758 | $18.96 |
| Rio Rancho | $39,139 | $3,261 | $752 | $18.82 |
Insights:
- Roswell offers the highest average salary for Marine Biologists in New Mexico.
- Salary differences between the top and bottom cities are modest (around 9%).
- For professionals considering relocation, cost of living may be a more significant factor than salary differences.
Top 5 Best Paying Related Marine Biologist Jobs in New Mexico
Several related career paths in New Mexico offer higher annual salaries than a typical Marine Biologist position. Roles such as Biologist, Environmental Biology Specialist, and Biology Educator are among the best-paying alternatives.
| Job Title | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biologist | $86,638 | $7,219 | $1,666 | $41.65 |
| Environmental Biology | $81,522 | $6,793 | $1,567 | $39.19 |
| Biology | $61,338 | $5,111 | $1,179 | $29.49 |
| Biology Teaching | $50,576 | $4,214 | $972 | $24.32 |
| Medical Biology | $43,650 | $3,637 | $839 | $20.99 |
Key Takeaways:
- Biologist and Environmental Biology roles can pay up to 106% more than the average Marine Biologist salary in New Mexico.
- Professionals with expertise in field research, data analysis, or environmental impact assessments are likely to earn more.
- Teaching and medical biology positions also offer steady, well-compensated career paths.
Career Outlook for Marine Biologists in New Mexico
Even without coastal access, New Mexico provides a range of opportunities for biologists specializing in freshwater ecosystems, wildlife conservation, and environmental science. Employment may be found through:
- State and federal environmental agencies,
- Universities and research institutions,
- Water resource management organizations, and
- Environmental consulting firms.
The demand for environmental and biological professionals is expected to remain stable through 2030, as the state continues investing in ecosystem restoration, sustainability, and natural resource management.
