Accountant Salary in Albuquerque, NM: $81,965 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Albuquerque, NM earns a median $81,965/year (≈ $39.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Albuquerque's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 95.5), that paycheck buys what $85,786 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the New Mexico state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, those working in the accounting field in Albuquerque, New Mexico, can expect to see a median annual salary of $81,965, which reflects a slight 4.54% discount compared to the national median of $85,864. The projected salary range for accountants in the area runs from $57,451 at the lower end (P10) to $129,555 at the top (P90), indicating a healthy spread influenced by experience, specialization, and employer type. These figures are based on the 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026. For licensed CPAs, the potential for a significant pay increase upon obtaining their certification can greatly impact one’s earnings trajectory; senior positions typically command much higher salaries, and this credential remains a crucial benchmark for accounting professionals in Albuquerque's job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,451 | $27.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,947 | $31.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,965 | $39.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,179 | $49.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,555 | $62.28 |
Median Salary Position
4.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Albuquerque
In Albuquerque, NM, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $72,104 (2026 est.). At $81,965, the local median is 4.54% below the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Albuquerque: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Albuquerque Accountant Pay Compares
Albuquerque median: $81,965/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Albuquerque Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $81,073 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $85,864 | -4.54% less |
Accountants in Albuquerque, NM earn a median of $81,965 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.54% lower than the national median of $85,864 and 1.10% above the New Mexico state average of $81,073.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Albuquerque has a cost of living 4.45% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Albuquerque, NM has a cost-of-living index of 95.546 (below the national average of 100). A accountant earning $81,965 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $85,786 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.66% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,990
2025 BLS Actual
$79,880
2026 Current Est.
$81,965
2019–2027 Growth
+35.7%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Albuquerque (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,990 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,040 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,690 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,590 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,650 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,260 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,880 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,965 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,104 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Albuquerque metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 28.9% from $61,990 (2019) to $79,880 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,104 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,114 (35.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Albuquerque metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.61% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $57,451 – $65,947 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,947 – $81,965 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,965 – $102,179 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,179 – $129,555 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Albuquerque
Albuquerque employs approximately 3,260 accountants, indicating a vibrant local market despite a cost-of-living index of 95.546, which is below the national average. This lower cost of living allows for relatively stronger purchasing power for accountants earning competitive wages. Employers such as the Big 4 firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) typically offer some of the highest compensation packages, followed closely by regional CPA firms like BDO and Grant Thornton. The notable variance in pay stems from various factors, including the level of CPA licensure, seniority, and the prestige of the firm. Additionally, those who specialize in tax, forensic accounting, or valuation often command higher pay due to their niche expertise. To maximize earnings in the Albuquerque area, accountants should consider pursuing specialized certifications, engaging in continuous professional development, and leveraging networking opportunities that arise during busy-season workloads, which can lead to lucrative overtime and bonuses for those willing to work the extra hours.
More salary data for Albuquerque, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $79,880 for accountantsin the Albuquerque metropolitan area. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.61%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for accountants (SOC 13-2011).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov