Los Alamos vs Santa Fe: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Los Alamos, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Alamos, NM | Santa Fe, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $199,644 | $218,703▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $95.98 | $105.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $141,149 | $142,519▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $180,314 | $188,718▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $244,488 | $273,451▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $273,844 | $314,481▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 20▲ |
Verdict
Santa Fe, NM offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Alamos.
The salary gap between Los Alamos and Santa Fe is $19,059 (9.55%). Santa Fe's median is -12.13% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Alamos spans $132,695,Santa Fe spans $171,962. Santa Fe has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Santa Fe ($231,677 effective) pays 9.55% more than Los Alamos ($211,487 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Alamos if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($218,703/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($314,481)
- ✓Larger job market (20 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $231,677)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Los Alamos grew 6.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.4% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.
Los Alamos, NM
$178,365 (2024) → $189,776 (2025)
Santa Fe, NM
$195,394 (2024) → $207,893 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Alamos, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Los Alamos or Santa Fe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Alamos and Santa Fe?
Should I relocate from Los Alamos to Santa Fe as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Los Alamos vs Santa Fe?
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