ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Sandia National Laboratories generated a record $5.2 billion in economic impact in 2025, marking the 17th consecutive year Sandia has set a brand new excessive, based on its annual economic impact report launched this week.
The whole represents a $40.5 million improve from 2024 and greater than doubles Sandia’s economic impact from 12 years in the past, reinforcing the laboratories’ function as one in every of New Mexico’s largest employers and economic engines.
“Sandia has been a strong part of New Mexico’s economy for more than 75 years,” stated Labs Director Laura McGill. “We are extremely proud of our contributions, which extend beyond the economy and include giving back to our community through financial donations and volunteer time. We are neighbors that are invested in making this an even greater place to live.”
Investing within the workforce
Sandia’s largest funding in 2025 was its workforce of roughly 16,000 folks. Sandia spent almost $2.95 billion on labor prices final year, a rise of $46 million from 2024. The improve displays pay raises for the extremely expert scientists, engineers and professionals who fulfill Sandia’s nationwide safety mission.
With a mean wage of $145,000, Sandia stays dedicated to holding high-paying jobs in New Mexico.
“Our employees live here. They raise their families here. They volunteer in our schools, support local organizations and spend their paychecks at local businesses,” McGill stated. “When we talk about economic impact, that’s what we’re really talking about.”
Working with small companies
Sandia’s second largest expenditure in 2025 was $1.7 billion in subcontract-related funds, which have been spent with companies across the nation that present crucial providers to the Labs. Many of these are small companies, a cornerstone to the nation’s economic system.
“Sandia National Laboratories has a rich tradition of collaborating with a wide range of skilled small business suppliers who play a vital role in supporting our national security initiatives,” stated Krista Smith, Sandia’s provide chain director.
Sandia spent $1.03 billion with small companies in 2025, the third consecutive year it exceeded the billion-dollar mark. Of that quantity, $463 million went to small companies in New Mexico. Sandia additionally labored with 335 new small companies in the course of the year.
“I want to highlight the importance of working with new small businesses,” stated Zach Mikelson, Sandia’s small enterprise program supervisor. “They bring fresh, innovative ideas to the table, which can help develop better solutions for the nation, all while contributing to the local economy by creating jobs and supporting economic growth.”
In 2025 Sandia elevated spending with veteran owned, service-disabled veteran-owned and HUBZone companies. HUBZone companies are situated in traditionally underutilized enterprise zones usually dealing with larger unemployment and poverty charges.
Contributions to the general public providers
Sandia additionally contributed considerably to public providers in New Mexico by way of tax funds.
In 2025, Sandia paid roughly $144 million in gross receipts taxes to the state of New Mexico, a rise of $11.3 million from the earlier year. Overall, Sandia paid $148 million in company taxes, up $12.3 million, serving to help packages and providers that profit New Mexicans statewide.
Investing sooner or later
One of crucial methods Sandia invests sooner or later is thru schooling. In 2025, Sandia reached 14,000 college students by way of STEM education schemes, about 4,000 greater than the year earlier than. Sandia additionally engaged 700 academics and group members; a 98.86% improve in comparison with 2024.
The group involvement crew and academics from Albuquerque Public Schools partnered with the National Museum of Nuclear Science to launch Mission Fission, a program that introduces nuclear science and vitality ideas to eighth-grade college students in Albuquerque Public Schools. The museum’s program goals to succeed in 4,500 college students every year.
“These are students who may one day become engineers, scientists, technicians or small business owners in New Mexico,” McGill stated. “Behind every statistic is a student discovering a love for science.”
Giving again to the group
Sandia additionally continued its sturdy custom of giving again to the group. National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia LLC donated $1.6 million to native schooling, household stability and group management initiatives.
Employees additionally gave of their very own money and time, donating greater than $4 million to nonprofits by way of the United Way of North Central New Mexico, $15,000 for Shoes for Kids, $8,000 for college provide drives and $14,000 for Roadrunner Food Bank. Employees additionally donated 1,322 pints of blood in 2025 and volunteered at greater than 50 volunteer occasions.
“As the nation’s premier engineering laboratory, Sandia’s mission is to address complex national security challenges, McGill said. “But we don’t do that in isolation. We pull from our community — one that includes local businesses, schools, nonprofits and tens of thousands of families across New Mexico and beyond.”
The 2025 Economic Impact Brochure is obtainable here.