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Planetary Science Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

Varsity Tutors

Astronomy Tutor

Albuquerque, NM · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of celestial mechanics, stellar evolution, planetary science, cosmology, observational techniques, electromagnetic spectrum, solar system formation, galaxies, black holes, and the ...

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All JobsPlanetary Science JobsPlanetary Science Jobs in New Mexico

Planetary Science information

See New Mexico salary details

$23.7K

$46.9K

$76.6K

How much do planetary science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for planetary science in New Mexico is $46,894.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,300.00 and $50,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is planetary science?

A Planetary Science job involves studying planets, moons, asteroids, and other celestial bodies to understand their composition, atmospheres, geology, and potential for life. Scientists in this field use data from telescopes, spacecraft, and lab experiments to analyze planetary systems. Careers in planetary science can be in academia, government agencies like NASA, or private space industries, focusing on research, exploration, and mission planning.

What are some typical projects or research areas that planetary scientists work on?

Planetary scientists commonly work on projects involving the study of planets, moons, asteroids, and comets both within our solar system and beyond. Their work may include analyzing data from space missions, simulating planetary environments, studying surface composition and atmospheric conditions, or investigating planetary formation and evolution. These projects often require close collaboration with astronomers, geologists, physicists, and engineers. Depending on your specific focus, you may spend your days in a lab, working with computer models, or participating in field studies to analog sites on Earth, offering a dynamic and varied work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the planetary science position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Planetary Science, you need a strong background in physics, geology, astronomy, and data analysis, often supported by an advanced degree in a related scientific field. Familiarity with remote sensing technologies, laboratory instrumentation, programming languages (such as Python or MATLAB), and experience with scientific data processing tools is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, effective written and verbal communication, and an aptitude for teamwork are essential soft skills. These competencies enable planetary scientists to conduct rigorous research, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and contribute valuable insights to our understanding of planetary bodies.

Are planetary scientists in demand?

Planetary scientists are in moderate demand, primarily in research institutions, government agencies, and space agencies like NASA and ESA. Employment opportunities depend on research funding, project availability, and advanced skills in data analysis, remote sensing, and planetary geology.

What can you do with a degree in planetary science?

A degree in planetary science prepares individuals for careers in research, space agencies, and academia, focusing on planetary systems, celestial bodies, and space exploration. Graduates often work as planetary scientists, research analysts, or mission planners, utilizing skills in data analysis, remote sensing, and scientific instrumentation. Advanced positions may require further education or specialized training in astrophysics or engineering.

What are popular job titles related to Planetary Science jobs in New Mexico?

For Planetary Science jobs in New Mexico, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Planetary Science jobs in New Mexico look for?

The top searched job categories for Planetary Science jobs in New Mexico are:

Planetary Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Planetary Science job openings in New Mexico as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,894 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Temp Parttime Faculty: Earth and Planetary Sciences, Adjunct Professor

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM

Part-time, Temporary

Re-posted 19 days ago

University Of New Mexico rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

126th of 620 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Earth and Planetary Sciences departmentat the University of New Mexico (UNM) anticipates hiring Adjunct Faculty toteach undergraduate and graduate level courses in the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. 

Anticipated openings will be forAdjuncts who can teach courses in a broad range of subject areas, including butnot limited to the subject areas covered in the following UNM course:

ENVS 423L/522 Water in the Earth System/Physical Hydrology
GEOL 2110C Historical Geology

Consult the UNM Catalog fordescriptions of these courses.

The Earth and Planetary Sciencesdepartment is seeking qualified temporary part time faculty members to teach undergraduateand/or graduate level classes in various disciplines as specified above.Instructors are responsible for all aspects of any class they are teaching.Responsibilities will include but not be limited to meeting with the classduring assigned times, delivering the course curriculum, developing and gradingassignments, reporting grades, and assessing student learning outcomes asoutlined by the Director of the program.  

Positions are contingent upon needeach semester as determined by student enrollment levels, courses on thecurrent course schedule, and demand driven by graduation requirements. Positions may be filled or eliminated each semester up to the deadline forstudents to drop or add courses.  Candidates who are selected for thesepositions will report to the Chair of the Earth and Planetary Sciences department. 

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