Albuquerque vs South Valley: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Albuquerque, NM and South Valley, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | South Valley, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $145,813▲ | $125,119 |
| Hourly Rate | $70.11▲ | $60.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $114,705▲ | $93,775 |
| 25th Percentile | $135,147▲ | $116,255 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,503▲ | $148,421 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $185,196▲ | $162,538 |
| Total Employed | 890▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Valley.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and South Valley is $20,694 (16.54%). Albuquerque's median is +6.54% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $70,491,South Valley spans $68,763. 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 ($152,610 effective) pays 15.14% more than South Valley ($132,541 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 ($145,813/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($185,196)
- ✓Larger job market (890 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,610)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose South Valley if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Albuquerque grew 28.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.0% growth in South Valley over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$110,120 (2019) → $140,950 (2025)
South Valley, NM
$123,414 (2024) → $120,946 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
South Valley, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Albuquerque or South Valley?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and South Valley?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to South Valley as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Albuquerque vs South Valley?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov