Albuquerque vs Taos: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Taos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Taos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $145,813▲ | $118,859 |
| Hourly Rate | $70.11▲ | $57.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $114,705▲ | $97,543 |
| 25th Percentile | $135,147▲ | $109,292 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,503▲ | $135,899 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $185,196▲ | $145,519 |
| Total Employed | 890▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Taos.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Taos is $26,954 (22.68%). 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,Taos spans $47,976. Albuquerque has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Albuquerque ($152,610 effective) pays 21.21% more than Taos ($125,910 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($185,196)
- ✓Larger job market (890 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,610)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Taos if…
- ✓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 -2.0% growth in Taos over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$110,120 (2019) → $140,950 (2025)
Taos, NM
$117,240 (2024) → $114,895 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Albuquerque or Taos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Taos?
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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