Albuquerque vs Santa Fe: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Santa Fe, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $149,690 | $153,336▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $71.96 | $73.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,086 | $120,974▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $136,574 | $139,293▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $167,643▲ | $166,288 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $182,174▲ | $172,867 |
| Total Employed | 1,000▲ | 110 |
Verdict
Albuquerque and Santa Fe are closely matched on overall pharmacist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Santa Fe is $3,646 (2.44%). Santa Fe's median is +6.86% 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,Santa Fe spans $51,893. 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 0.91% more than Santa Fe ($155,250 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albuquerque if…
- ✓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 Santa Fe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($153,336/year)
- ✓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 16.7% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$127,430 (2019) → $147,000 (2025)
Santa Fe, NM
$129,040 (2019) → $150,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Albuquerque or Santa Fe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Santa Fe?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Santa Fe as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Albuquerque vs Santa Fe?
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