The two million residents of New Mexico have a higher number of PhDs per population than any other state. The state’s major industries include mining, tourism, and oil production.
New Mexico’s 2019 median annual household income was $53,113. Consequently, a salary of $70,000 per year is a robust salary in this southern state. Read on to explore some options for earning $70,000 per year in the Land of Enchantment state and the luxuries you can afford with that income.
Tech jobs are booming.
Prepare for a career as a network security specialist through a reputable online training program. You don’t have to earn a bachelor’s degree to acquire the skills needed for a tech career. Completing a certificate program ensures you have the skills needed to work in cybersecurity.
Per Glassdoor.com, the annual average salary for network security experts is $76,000. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports information security analysts took home median annual incomes of $103,590 in May 2020. The BLS also expects these cybersecurity specialists to enjoy a 31 percent job growth rate from 2019 to 2029, which is considerably higher than the four percent job growth rate expected for all occupations.
New Mexico enjoys strong demand for medical professionals.
You can enjoy a substantial salary and plenty of employment opportunities in New Mexico by working in healthcare. With an associate degree or bachelor’s degree, it’s possible to become a registered nurse (RN), while dental hygienists only need an associate degree to start their career. The BLS reports RNs took home median incomes of $75,330 in May 2020, while dental hygienists earned $77,090.
With a master’s degree, you can pursue opportunities as a physician assistant (PA) or nurse practitioner (NP). The BLS reports PAs earned $115,390 per year as of May 2020, while NPs took home $111,680.
Use your robust salary to buy and maintain a home.
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Experian’s 2019 list of median housing prices indicated the median price of a house in New Mexico was $197,400, with 27 states having higher median house prices. With a $70,000 annual income and a solid credit score, you can afford to buy a lovely home.
Once you buy a home, you must maintain your property’s value by investing in routine maintenance. Your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system maintains your home’s temperature. Although Albuquerque enjoys hot summers and mild weather in the spring and fall, you’ll need your heating system to get you through the cool temperatures from November to March. Contract an HVAC company and have a certified technician inspect your heater before winter starts to ensure it’s working correctly.
You’ll need air conditioning in Albuquerque during the hot summer months, which is why you must have a certified technician inspect your AC unit in the spring. HVAC technicians clean your AC unit and replace worn parts. Your HVAC system will last longer if you perform routine maintenance, and your HVAC company can install a new system when necessary.
Install a programmable thermostat.
You can maintain your home’s energy bills with a programmable thermostat. Smart home thermostats learn your family’s patterns, predicting when you’ll need the temperature adjusted. Using a smart home thermostat ensures you aren’t paying to cool or heat an empty house; instead, your thermostat adjusts the temperature based on anticipated need, ensuring your home’s the right temperature when you return from work or school.
Invest in smart home security.
Smart home security systems protect your home from intruders and other threats. You can opt for a video camera security system that allows you to monitor your home in real time and verbally interact with anyone outside your home. If someone breaks in, your security system can alert the police. If your fire alarm’s triggered, your home security system can contact the fire department, preventing your house from burning down.
New Mexico residents can choose from many career fields offering robust salaries. With a $70,000 annual income, you can afford to buy a new home and invest in home maintenance. Installing a smart thermostat and smart home security system will also protect your home.