Santa Fe vs Taos: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Santa Fe, NM and Taos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Santa Fe, NM | Taos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,574▲ | $119,266 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.66▲ | $57.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,403▲ | $72,779 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,352▲ | $95,892 |
| 75th Percentile | $177,700▲ | $147,054 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $224,684▲ | $184,088 |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Santa Fe, NM offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Taos.
The salary gap between Santa Fe and Taos is $17,308 (14.51%). Santa Fe's median is -0.55% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Santa Fe spans $126,281,Taos spans $111,309. Santa Fe 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, Santa Fe ($138,279 effective) pays 9.45% more than Taos ($126,341 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,574/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($224,684)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,279)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Taos if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Santa Fe grew 34.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.7% growth in Taos over the same period.
Santa Fe, NM
$96,290 (2019) → $129,380 (2025)
Taos, NM
$92,055 (2024) → $112,984 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
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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