Projected for New Mexico through 2014
According to the latest long term occupational projections (Occupational Projections 2004-2014) and the results of the Occupational Wage Survey (Micro data 2002-200502), the occupations listed in Table 1 are projected to be among the best paying and fastest growing occupations in New Mexico. Listed at the top are Computer Software Engineers earning an annual average wage of $87,510. Hydrologist will be in demand to quantify water demand and supplies in New Mexico?s water basins. Computer science and healthcare occupations make up many of the top ten best paying and fastest growing occupations for 2004-2014.
TABLE 1
| Occupation | Average Annual Wage | Annual Growth % 2004-2014 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15-1032 | Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software | $87,510 | 5.3% |
| 19-2043 | Hydrologists | $69,210 | 3.1% |
| 41-9031 | Sales Engineers | $67,140 | 4.0% |
| 15-1031 | Computer Software Engineers, Applications | $65,760 | 4.2% |
| 15-1081 | Network Systems & Data Communications Analysts | $59,320 | 4.7% |
| 13-2051 | Financial Analysts | $56,070 | 2.8% |
| 15-1071 | Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $50,350 | 3.3% |
| 27-3042 | Technical Writers | $49,680 | 2.5% |
| 29-2061 | Licensed Practical & Licensed Vocational Nurses | $38,620 | 3.3% |
| 29-2054 | Respiratory Therapy Technicians | $36,640 | 2.9% |
| 23-2011 | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $36,030 | 2.5% |
| 13-1071 | Employment, Recruitment & Placement Specialists | $35,690 | 3.1% |
| 21-1092 | Probation Officers & Correctional Specialists | $31,630 | 1.5% |
| 49-9052 | Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers | $31,290 | 3.1% |
| 37-2021 | Pest Control Workers | $30,850 | 3.3% |
| 29-2056 | Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | $30,160 | 2.7% |
| 51-9121 | Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Operators | $29,190 | 3.4% |
| 19-4093 | Forest and Conservation Technicians | $28,890 | 0.9% |
| 47-4051 | Highway Maintenance Workers | $25,700 | 2.6% |
| 49-9094 | Locksmiths and Safe Repairers | $25,440 | 3.0% |
The occupations listed in Table 2 are occupations projected to have the most annual openings. Listed at the top is Retail Salespersons, which is typical. Also included are waiters and waitresses, cashiers, food preparation workers, and some general office workers. Those occupations listed with large annual openings and good annual average wages include General and Operations Managers $82,230, Registered Nurses $55,540, Elementary School Teachers $38,240, Executive Secretaries & Administrative Assistants $33,330, Carpenters $29,390, and Secretaries $25,380.
Table 2
| Occupation | Annual Openings | Average Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41-2031 | Retail Salespersons | 1,576 | $21,250 |
| 35-3031 | Waiters and Waitresses | 1,047 | $14,140 |
| 41-2011 | Cashiers | 953 | $17,230 |
| 35-3021 | Combined Food Preparation & Serving Workers | 865 | $13,610 |
| 37-2011 | Janitors and Cleaners | 623 | $18,770 |
| 43-9061 | Office Clerks, General | 553 | $21,820 |
| 43-4051 | Customer Service Representatives | 519 | $24,890 |
| 29-1111 | Registered Nurses | 515 | $55,540 |
| 39-9021 | Personal and Home Care Aides | 503 | $18,000 |
| 43-6014 | Secretaries | 489 | $25,380 |
| 33-9032 | Security Guards | 482 | $22,690 |
| 37-2012 | Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 426 | $14,880 |
| 37-3011 | Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers | 426 | $18,480 |
| 53-7062 | Laborers, Freight, Stock & Material Movers, Hand | 426 | $19,130 |
| 11-1021 | General and Operations Managers | 420 | $82,230 |
| 35-3022 | Counter, Cafeteria, Food Concession & Coffee Shop Workers | 350 | $14,220 |
| 49-9042 | Maintenance and Repair Workers, General | 348 | $26,770 |
| 25-2021 | Elementary School Teachers | 341 | $38,240 |
| 47-2031 | Carpenters | 341 | $29,390 |
| 43-6011 | Executive Secretaries & Administrative Assistants | 340 | $33,330 |
- The data in these tables are derived from the Occupational Descriptor Software V 2.1.25 using quintiles distributions.
- The occupations included in these tables are only those that are publishable and have more than 100 in employment.
- Annual Average Wage represents wage data compiled and updated through the Occupational Employment Statistics survey -- May 2005 reference panel.
Last Updated January 2008