Albuquerque vs Farmington: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Farmington, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Farmington, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $145,813▲ | $131,278 |
| Hourly Rate | $70.11▲ | $63.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $114,705 | $116,350▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $135,147▲ | $116,350 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,503▲ | $146,361 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $185,196 | $193,752▲ |
| Total Employed | 890▲ | 60 |
Verdict
Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Farmington.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Farmington is $14,535 (11.07%). Albuquerque's median is +6.54% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $70,491,Farmington spans $77,402. Farmington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Albuquerque ($152,610 effective) pays 1.96% more than Farmington ($149,678 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albuquerque if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($145,813/year)
- ✓Larger job market (890 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,610)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Farmington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($193,752)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Albuquerque grew 28.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.0% growth in Farmington over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$110,120 (2019) → $140,950 (2025)
Farmington, NM
$106,680 (2019) → $126,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Farmington, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Albuquerque or Farmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Farmington?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Farmington as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Albuquerque vs Farmington?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov