AI Engineering Roles salary in Albuquerque.

The median salary across 321 ai engineering roles tracked in Albuquerque, NM is $117,040. The full range runs from $29,920 at the entry level for the lowest-paying tracked role up to $305,360 at the top of the highest-paying tracked role. Albuquerque sits 12% below the national average for cost-adjusted compensation.

Machine Learning Director is the highest-paying ai engineering role in Albuquerque, with a median base salary of $234,960 when adjusted for local cost of living. Total compensation including equity and bonuses runs significantly higher at top-tier employers.

Yes. Albuquerque is one of the active markets for AI talent in 2026. Albuquerque's economy is driven by Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories, Kirtland Air Force Base, and a growing film production industry. AI Engineering Roles specifically benefit from local employer demand and the broader AI hiring boom that has pushed compensation up year over year.

Albuquerque pays roughly 12% less than the national average for ai engineering roles. Top markets like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle typically pay 30-50% above national. Mid-cost metros like Austin, Denver, and Raleigh pay closer to national.