Albuquerque vs Taos: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse 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 | $101,140▲ | $89,214 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.62▲ | $42.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,343▲ | $67,590 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,934▲ | $75,743 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,302▲ | $99,176 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,100▲ | $116,845 |
| Total Employed | 10,290▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Taos.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Taos is $11,926 (13.37%). Albuquerque's median is -1.55% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $45,757,Taos spans $49,255. Taos has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Albuquerque ($105,855 effective) pays 12.01% more than Taos ($94,506 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 ($101,140/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,100)
- ✓Larger job market (10,290 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,855)
- ✓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, registered nurse salaries in Albuquerque grew 28.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.8% growth in Taos over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$74,950 (2019) → $96,040 (2025)
Taos, NM
$73,818 (2024) → $84,716 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
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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