wutzkohphoto // Shutterstock
1 / 50#50. Physicians, All Other
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +10.1% (150 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 1,640
--- Employment in 2023: 1,490
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $239,200+
Fastest-growing jobs in New Mexico
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis revealed that, as of September 2025, the national hiring rate has reached a decade low, with the exception of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Associated Press reports that several factors have contributed to this, including the impact of the eleven interest rate hikes that occurred in 2022 and 2023 and the dozens of tariffs enacted by President Donald Trump since the beginning of the year.
Economists generally agree that the long-run breakeven employment growth rate (or the rate at which new jobs need to be added to keep up with population growth) is somewhere between 70,000 and 90,000 jobs per month. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in August 2025, just 22,000 new jobs were added. June and July saw a combined 87,000 new jobs added to the workforce.
Those numbers are bleak, to be sure, but not all employment news is bad. Certain sectors, like health care and social services, continue to see rapid growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics said average hourly earnings for all employees are also up by 3.7% over the past 12 months. The total number of hours worked per week has been edging down for all employees, providing opportunities for much-needed work-life balance.
The employment story also looks quite different from state to state. Some places, like Utah, New Mexico, Hawai'i, and Idaho, are seeing high-percentage job growth year over year; others, like Washington D.C., Iowa, and Kansas, have actually seen a shrinkage in the overall number of job openings.
Using BLS jobs data, Stacker determined the fastest-growing jobs in New Mexico. Occupations were ranked by the percentage increase in employment between 2023 and 2024. Jobs were excluded from the ranking if they had fewer than 1,000 people working in them in the state.
Keep reading to learn which jobs are growing the fastest in New Mexico.
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LightField Studios // Shutterstock
2 / 50#49. Emergency Medical Technicians
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +10.2% (130 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 1,400
--- Employment in 2023: 1,270
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $36,850
Prath // Shutterstock
3 / 50#48. Detectives and Criminal Investigators
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +10.5% (190 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 2,000
--- Employment in 2023: 1,810
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $86,840
New Africa // Shutterstock
4 / 50#47. Receptionists and Information Clerks
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +10.7% (520 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 5,370
--- Employment in 2023: 4,850
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $34,320
ded pixto // Shutterstock
5 / 50#46. Wellhead Pumpers
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +10.9% (130 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 1,320
--- Employment in 2023: 1,190
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $68,220
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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
6 / 50#45. Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +11.1% (130 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 1,300
--- Employment in 2023: 1,170
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $66,120
Luisa Leal Photography // Shutterstock
7 / 50#44. Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +11.1% (110 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 1,100
--- Employment in 2023: 990
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $78,670
fizkes // Shutterstock
8 / 50#43. Management Analysts
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +11.3% (350 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 3,440
--- Employment in 2023: 3,090
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $84,870
Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
9 / 50#42. Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +11.3% (550 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 5,400
--- Employment in 2023: 4,850
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $29,760
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
10 / 50#41. Education Administrators, Postsecondary
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +11.8% (120 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 1,140
--- Employment in 2023: 1,020
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $105,350
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Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
11 / 50#40. Medical and Health Services Managers
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +11.9% (310 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 2,910
--- Employment in 2023: 2,600
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $121,580
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
12 / 50#39. Tellers
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +12.2% (270 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 2,480
--- Employment in 2023: 2,210
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $38,060
XiXinXing // Shutterstock
13 / 50#38. Medical Records Specialists
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +12.4% (150 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 1,360
--- Employment in 2023: 1,210
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $50,340
Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock
14 / 50#37. First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +12.4% (290 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 2,630
--- Employment in 2023: 2,340
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $61,740
Drazen Zigic // Shutterstock
15 / 50#36. Postsecondary Teachers, All Other
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +12.5% (130 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 1,170
--- Employment in 2023: 1,040
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $79,900
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wee dezign // Shutterstock
16 / 50#35. Software Developers
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +12.6% (540 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 4,810
--- Employment in 2023: 4,270
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $120,820
dokurose // Shutterstock
17 / 50#34. Sales Managers
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +14.4% (160 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 1,270
--- Employment in 2023: 1,110
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $106,330
boonchoke // Shutterstock
18 / 50#33. Business Operations Specialists, All Other
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +14.7% (1,060 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 8,270
--- Employment in 2023: 7,210
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $76,490
brizmaker // Shutterstock
19 / 50#32. Roofers
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +15.1% (140 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 1,070
--- Employment in 2023: 930
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $44,440
VH-studio // Shutterstock
20 / 50#31. Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +15.4% (380 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 2,850
--- Employment in 2023: 2,470
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $49,530
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Stokkete // Shutterstock
21 / 50#30. Information and Record Clerks, All Other
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +15.7% (140 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 1,030
--- Employment in 2023: 890
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $48,530
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
22 / 50#29. Project Management Specialists
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +17.1% (860 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 5,890
--- Employment in 2023: 5,030
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $102,940
Kzenon // Shutterstock
23 / 50#28. Self-Enrichment Teachers
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +17.8% (180 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 1,190
--- Employment in 2023: 1,010
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $46,070
aboutsung // Shutterstock
24 / 50#27. Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +18.6% (520 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 3,320
--- Employment in 2023: 2,800
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $28,970
GLRL // Shutterstock
25 / 50#26. Buyers and Purchasing Agents
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +20.2% (340 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 2,020
--- Employment in 2023: 1,680
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $72,840
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GLRL // Shutterstock
26 / 50#25. Buyers and Purchasing Agents
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +20.2% (340 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 2,020
--- Employment in 2023: 1,680
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $72,840
Shift Drive // Shutterstock
27 / 50#24. Computer User Support Specialists
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +21.0% (730 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 4,210
--- Employment in 2023: 3,480
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $47,540
Zahovaev K // Shutterstock
28 / 50#23. Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +21.8% (420 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 2,350
--- Employment in 2023: 1,930
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $52,460
Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock
29 / 50#22. Compliance Officers
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +21.9% (470 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 2,620
--- Employment in 2023: 2,150
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $67,640
Ground Picture // Shutterstock
30 / 50#21. First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +22.0% (240 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 1,330
--- Employment in 2023: 1,090
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $93,290
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santypan // Shutterstock
31 / 50#20. Bartenders
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +22.3% (630 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 3,460
--- Employment in 2023: 2,830
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $31,370
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
32 / 50#19. Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +25.7% (640 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 3,130
--- Employment in 2023: 2,490
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $71,930
Unai Huizi Photography // Shutterstock
33 / 50#18. Dental Hygienists
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +26.1% (290 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 1,400
--- Employment in 2023: 1,110
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $96,410
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
34 / 50#17. Nurse Practitioners
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +26.4% (390 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 1,870
--- Employment in 2023: 1,480
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $138,440
Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock
35 / 50#16. Billing and Posting Clerks
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +28.3% (450 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 2,040
--- Employment in 2023: 1,590
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $43,150
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Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
36 / 50#15. Graphic Designers
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +28.6% (260 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 1,170
--- Employment in 2023: 910
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $57,780
Photographee.eu // Shutterstock
37 / 50#14. Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +28.8% (360 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 1,610
--- Employment in 2023: 1,250
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $71,960
ALPA PROD // Shutterstock
38 / 50#13. Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +30.4% (880 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 3,770
--- Employment in 2023: 2,890
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $41,810
rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
39 / 50#12. Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +33.6% (410 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 1,630
--- Employment in 2023: 1,220
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $59,130
Standret // Shutterstock
40 / 50#11. Counter and Rental Clerks
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +35.2% (640 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 2,460
--- Employment in 2023: 1,820
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $35,440
You may also like: Most common dog breeds available for adoption in New Mexico
creativemarc // Shutterstock
41 / 50#10. Administrative Services Managers
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +35.5% (550 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 2,100
--- Employment in 2023: 1,550
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $104,520
Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock
42 / 50#9. Substitute Teachers, Short-Term
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +35.6% (680 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 2,590
--- Employment in 2023: 1,910
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $37,100
DenisProduction.com // Shutterstock
43 / 50#8. Food Preparation Workers
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +36.3% (2,220 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 8,330
--- Employment in 2023: 6,110
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $29,350
Bannafarsai_Stock // Shutterstock
44 / 50#7. Construction Managers
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +40.2% (510 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 1,780
--- Employment in 2023: 1,270
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $100,580
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
45 / 50#6. Driver/Sales Workers
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +52.1% (860 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 2,510
--- Employment in 2023: 1,650
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $34,870
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Alexander Oganezov // Shutterstock
46 / 50#5. Amusement and Recreation Attendants
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +54.5% (610 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 1,730
--- Employment in 2023: 1,120
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $28,140
Avatar_023 // Shutterstock
47 / 50#4. Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +58.0% (800 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 2,180
--- Employment in 2023: 1,380
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $46,680
Krakenimages.com // Shutterstock
48 / 50#3. Childcare Workers
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +58.7% (1,280 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 3,460
--- Employment in 2023: 2,180
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $34,240
M2020 // Shutterstock
49 / 50#2. Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +202.9% (710 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 1,060
--- Employment in 2023: 350
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $45,820
Jason Person // Shutterstock
50 / 50#1. Cooks, Short Order
- Increase in employment 2023-2024: +436.8% (830 employees)
--- Employment in 2024: 1,020
--- Employment in 2023: 190
--- Median annual salary in 2024: $38,130
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Madison Troyer, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 51 states.
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