Albuquerque vs Carlsbad: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Carlsbad, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Carlsbad, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $235,891▲ | $205,377 |
| Hourly Rate | $113.41▲ | $98.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $142,259▲ | $139,681 |
| 25th Percentile | $195,462▲ | $181,839 |
| 75th Percentile | $293,592▲ | $250,324 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $365,631▲ | $282,219 |
| Total Employed | 109▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carlsbad.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Carlsbad is $30,514 (14.86%). Albuquerque's median is -5.22% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $223,372,Carlsbad spans $142,538. 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 ($249,885 effective) pays 14.86% more than Carlsbad ($217,560 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 ($235,891/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($365,631)
- ✓Larger job market (109 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $249,885)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Carlsbad if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Albuquerque grew 43.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.4% growth in Carlsbad over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$156,250 (2019) → $224,231 (2025)
Carlsbad, NM
$183,487 (2024) → $195,225 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Carlsbad, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Albuquerque or Carlsbad?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Carlsbad?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Carlsbad as a nurse anesthetist?
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Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov