Alamogordo vs Santa Fe: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Alamogordo, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alamogordo, NM | Santa Fe, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,349 | $106,142▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.36 | $51.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,671 | $78,245▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,553 | $85,185▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $109,256 | $138,830▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $131,965 | $138,830▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 1,090▲ |
Verdict
Santa Fe, NM offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Alamogordo.
The salary gap between Alamogordo and Santa Fe is $11,793 (12.50%). Santa Fe's median is +3.32% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alamogordo spans $66,294,Santa Fe spans $60,585. Alamogordo 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, Santa Fe ($107,467 effective) pays 7.53% more than Alamogordo ($99,946 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alamogordo if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,142/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($138,830)
- ✓Larger job market (1,090 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,467)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Alamogordo grew 14.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.9% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.
Alamogordo, NM
$78,066 (2024) → $89,592 (2025)
Santa Fe, NM
$75,270 (2019) → $100,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alamogordo, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Alamogordo or Santa Fe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Alamogordo and Santa Fe?
Should I relocate from Alamogordo to Santa Fe as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Alamogordo vs Santa Fe?
Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov