Albuquerque vs Rio Rancho: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Rio Rancho, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Rio Rancho, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $235,891▲ | $222,947 |
| Hourly Rate | $113.41▲ | $107.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $142,259▲ | $141,260 |
| 25th Percentile | $195,462▲ | $190,272 |
| 75th Percentile | $293,592▲ | $281,314 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $365,631▲ | $326,630 |
| Total Employed | 109▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rio Rancho.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Rio Rancho is $12,944 (5.81%). 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,Rio Rancho spans $185,370. 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 5.81% more than Rio Rancho ($236,173 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 Rio Rancho 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 Rio Rancho over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$156,250 (2019) → $224,231 (2025)
Rio Rancho, NM
$199,184 (2024) → $211,927 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Rio Rancho, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Albuquerque or Rio Rancho?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Rio Rancho?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Rio Rancho as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Albuquerque vs Rio Rancho?
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