Albuquerque vs Farmington: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Farmington, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Farmington, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $147,995▲ | $127,770 |
| Hourly Rate | $71.15▲ | $61.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,049▲ | $74,106 |
| 25th Percentile | $126,704▲ | $99,161 |
| 75th Percentile | $183,780▲ | $158,124 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $234,755▲ | $198,043 |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Farmington.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Farmington is $20,225 (15.83%). Albuquerque's median is +7.76% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $138,706,Farmington spans $123,937. 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 ($154,894 effective) pays 14.44% more than Farmington ($135,350 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 ($147,995/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($234,755)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,894)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Farmington if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Albuquerque grew 50.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.7% growth in Farmington over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$92,900 (2019) → $140,200 (2025)
Farmington, NM
$98,619 (2024) → $121,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Farmington, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Albuquerque or Farmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Farmington?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Farmington as a veterinarian?
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov