While you might be drawn to Albuquerque for its rich cultural roots or delectable food and drink scene, there are more aspects of this New Mexico city that attracts new residents — including its booming job market. Simply put, the Albuquerque workforce is welcoming to a wide variety of skill sets across multiple industries.
So, who are the top employers in Albuquerque? Let’s break down the city’s top 10 workforce mainstays to offer a snapshot of job opportunities for newcomers.
#1 Intel
Intel’s New Mexico hub in Rio Rancho is one of the area’s largest employers. Located just north of Albuquerque, Intel’s Rio Rancho outfit tests and manufactures equipment for:
- Desktop computers
- Mobile devices
- Servers
- Workstations
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As the largest employer in the state, Intel offers a wide variety of positions across many skill sets — from entry-level positions to high-level roles. Whether you’re a STEM professional or a recent college graduate, Intel offers a wealth of career opportunities for Albuquerque residents.
#2 New Mexico State Government
The State of New Mexico also employs a large number of Albuquerque residents. The state’s job opportunities are as diverse as its residents; to name just a few roles, the state employs:
- Attorneys
- Office clerks
- Veterinarians
- Economists
- Livestock inspectors
- IT workers
- Law enforcement officers
- Construction professionals
If you have a career specialty, there might be a State of New Mexico job opening in Albuquerque just for you.
#3 U.S. Government
With Kirtland Air Force Base (AFB) just south of the city, Albuquerque is also home to numerous federal government workers. In fact, the U.S. Government is one of the largest employers in the Duke City. Locals also work for other Federal agencies, including the Departments of:
- Homeland Security
- Defense
- The Interior
- Energy
- Agriculture
- Housing and Urban Development
- Veterans Affairs
Like the state, the U.S. Government offers a wide array of job opportunities for entry-level workers and seasoned experts across multiple sectors.
#4 Sandia National Laboratories
Sandia National Laboratories is one of the largest employers in Albuquerque. They play a major role in the US nuclear program, and their work represents the cutting edge of today’s STEM advancements.
And the company’s job opportunities lean toward STEM specialties like:
- Aerospace engineering
- Bioscience
- Computer science
- Cybersecurity
- Electrical Engineering
- Geoscience
- Materials science
- Nuclear engineering
- Physics
- Systems engineering
That said, they also employ numerous business support and operational staff for non-STEM team members. Like other Albuquerque employers, Sandia National Laboratories offers career opportunities in a variety of specialties.
#5 Los Alamos National Laboratory
If you aren’t opposed to a commute, consider career options at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). LANL is a federal laboratory connected to the U.S. nuclear program, with strongholds in other sectors like:
- Defense
- Cybersecurity
- Energy
A proud employer of students, postdoctoral researchers, and veterans, LANL is a hub for New Mexico’s research-minded scientists, engineers, technologists, and craft workers.
#6 The University of New Mexico
Albuquerque is home to the University of New Mexico (UNM), yet another large employer offering job opportunities across sectors, education levels, and expertise.
UNM career paths span the entire workforce spectrum; whether you’re a finance professional, a budding academic, a marketing whiz, or a skilled tradesperson, there’s a long-term career awaiting you on campus. Go, Lobos!
#7 Albuquerque Public Schools
Employing more than 11,000 city residents, Albuquerque Public Schools is one of the city’s largest local employers. Whether you’re a passionate educator or you’re seeking a support role, there are numerous benefits to starting a career in the local school system, including:
- Competitive pay and benefits
- Culturally diverse learning community
- Grant opportunities
- Focus on staff and community engagement
Albuquerque Public Schools offers opportunities in education, student support, facilities, and more.
#8 Presbyterian Healthcare Services
As one of the largest healthcare networks in Albuquerque, Presbyterian Healthcare Services is also one of the city’s largest employers. They employ clinical workers, such as:
- Nurses
- Clinical administrators
- EMS staff
- Physicians
- Clinical support staff
But, they also rely on non-clinical workers, including:
- Actuaries
- Data analysts
- Project managers
- Operational staff
- Human resources experts
Like the other employers on this list, Presbyterian Healthcare Services offers career opportunities to workers of every experience level in numerous specialties.
#9 Lovelace Health System
Lovelace Health System has deep roots in Albuquerque, and they’ve been serving locals since the early 1920s. Like Presbyterian Healthcare Systems, they employ workers in both clinical and non-clinical capacities; they also connect potential workers in skilled trades like food service and housekeeping to job opportunities with their partner contractors.
If you’re looking for a fulfilling career in Albuquerque’s local healthcare network, consider Lovelace Health System.
#10 City of Albuquerque
If you want to spend every day reveling in what the Duke City has to offer, consider a career with the organization that keeps our beautiful, historic town up and running: The City of Albuquerque.
The city employs:
- Office workers
- Skilled tradesmen
- First responders
- Public safety experts
But this is just the tip of the iceberg. From film extras to lifeguards, the city offers a vast array of opportunities for long-time locals and Albuquerque newcomers alike.
Albuquerque: A Promising Job Market in A Vibrant City
While the Albuquerque job market is flourishing, the booming local economy is just one of many reasons to make the Duke City your new home. Whether you’re drawn in by our picturesque landscapes, affordable cost of living, vibrant culture, or wealth of activities, you’ll fall in love with Albuquerque — just like we have!
