Lawyers in New Mexico. BLS OES + DOL OFLC + reader-reported submissions. How this is built →
What the numbers say
Lawyers in New Mexico earned a median of $112,500 in 2024, about 25% below the national median of $149,496. That is one of the larger state-level gaps we see for this occupation, and it holds across the full wage range: the average was $135,860 here versus $180,908 nationally.
The spread within the state tells a different story. At the bottom of the range, the 10th percentile earned $71,390. At the top, the 90th percentile earned $219,410, roughly three times as much. That kind of gap usually reflects real differences in practice setting: a solo practitioner in a rural county handles different work at different rates than a partner at an Albuquerque litigation firm.
New Mexico's cost of living runs below the national average. Our index puts it at 93.2, so $112,500 here buys more than the same number suggests at face value. Adjusted for what the money actually buys, the effective gap with the national median narrows to roughly 18%. That does not close it, but it changes how large the difference feels day to day.
BLS projects 4.2% growth for lawyers nationally between 2024 and 2034, which it classifies as average. New Mexico's 3,130 employed lawyers put it among the smaller state totals, so individual hiring cycles here can move local figures more than they would in a larger market.
Salary distribution
Where New Mexico lawyers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $95,910 and $157,870, with a median of $119,680.
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Lawyers pay by experience level in New Mexico
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in New Mexico over the past 3 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2025 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.9 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.7 / 5
Law and Government
Knowledge
- 4.6 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
- 4.6 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.5 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 4.5 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.5 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.
- 02
Advise clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations.
- 03
Select jurors, argue motions, meet with judges, and question witnesses during the course of a trial.
- 04
Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
- 05
Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in criminal or civil litigation.
- 06
Represent clients in court or before government agencies.
- 07
Work in environmental law, representing public interest groups, waste disposal companies, or construction firms in their dealings with state and federal agencies.
- 08
Present and summarize cases to judges and juries.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+4.2%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Average growth
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Lawyers in New Mexico?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Lawyers in New Mexico is $119,680.
- How does New Mexico compare to the national median for Lawyers?
- The New Mexico median is -24.9% versus the BLS national figure of $159,328.
- What is the salary range for Lawyers in New Mexico?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $76,100 and the 90th-percentile at $232,890, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Lawyers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 4.2% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Lawyers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.