Albuquerque vs Hobbs: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Hobbs, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Hobbs, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $149,690▲ | $131,710 |
| Hourly Rate | $71.96▲ | $63.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,086▲ | $91,272 |
| 25th Percentile | $136,574▲ | $126,556 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,643▲ | $152,019 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $182,174▲ | $162,006 |
| Total Employed | 1,000▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hobbs.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Hobbs is $17,980 (13.65%). Albuquerque's median is +4.32% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $76,088,Hobbs spans $70,734. 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 ($156,668 effective) pays 12.29% more than Hobbs ($139,523 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 ($149,690/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($182,174)
- ✓Larger job market (1,000 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,668)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Hobbs if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Albuquerque grew 15.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.7% growth in Hobbs over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$127,430 (2019) → $147,000 (2025)
Hobbs, NM
$121,165 (2024) → $129,343 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov