Farmington vs Los Lunas: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Farmington, NM and Los Lunas, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Farmington, NM | Los Lunas, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,689▲ | $94,012 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.93▲ | $45.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,520 | $73,645▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,225▲ | $79,497 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,048▲ | $116,716 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,657▲ | $139,871 |
| Total Employed | 8▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Farmington, NM offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Lunas.
The salary gap between Farmington and Los Lunas is $5,677 (6.04%). Farmington's median is -6.96% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Farmington spans $77,137,Los Lunas spans $66,226. Farmington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Farmington ($105,603 effective) pays 6.04% more than Los Lunas ($99,589 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Farmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,689/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($148,657)
- ✓Larger job market (8 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,603)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Los Lunas if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Farmington grew 6.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.2% growth in Los Lunas over the same period.
Farmington, NM
$91,176 (2024) → $96,861 (2025)
Los Lunas, NM
$85,984 (2024) → $91,345 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Farmington, NM
Los Lunas, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Farmington or Los Lunas?
What is the hourly rate difference between Farmington and Los Lunas?
Should I relocate from Farmington to Los Lunas as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Farmington vs Los Lunas?
Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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 Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov