Rio Rancho vs Santa Fe: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Rio Rancho, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rio Rancho, NM | Santa Fe, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $222,947▲ | $218,703 |
| Hourly Rate | $107.19▲ | $105.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $141,260 | $142,519▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $190,272▲ | $188,718 |
| 75th Percentile | $281,314▲ | $273,451 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $326,630▲ | $314,481 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 20▲ |
Verdict
Rio Rancho, NM offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Fe.
The salary gap between Rio Rancho and Santa Fe is $4,244 (1.94%). Rio Rancho's median is -10.42% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rio Rancho spans $185,370,Santa Fe spans $171,962. Rio Rancho 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, Rio Rancho ($236,173 effective) pays 1.94% more than Santa Fe ($231,677 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rio Rancho if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($222,947/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($326,630)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $236,173)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Larger job market (20 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Rio Rancho grew 6.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.4% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.
Rio Rancho, NM
$199,184 (2024) → $211,927 (2025)
Santa Fe, NM
$195,394 (2024) → $207,893 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rio Rancho, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Rio Rancho or Santa Fe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rio Rancho and Santa Fe?
Should I relocate from Rio Rancho to Santa Fe as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Rio Rancho 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