Albuquerque vs Rio Rancho: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Rio Rancho, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Rio Rancho, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,576 | $66,208▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.24 | $31.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,545▲ | $45,481 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,697 | $54,679▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,111 | $82,835▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,897 | $101,354▲ |
| Total Employed | 350▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Rio Rancho, NM offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Albuquerque.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Rio Rancho is $11,632 (21.31%). Rio Rancho's median is -2.84% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $36,352,Rio Rancho spans $55,873. Rio Rancho has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rio Rancho ($70,136 effective) pays 22.79% more than Albuquerque ($57,120 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albuquerque if…
- ✓Larger job market (350 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Rio Rancho if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,208/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,354)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,136)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Albuquerque grew 26.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.4% growth in Rio Rancho over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$40,800 (2019) → $51,780 (2025)
Rio Rancho, NM
$54,411 (2024) → $62,816 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Rio Rancho, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Albuquerque or Rio Rancho?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Rio Rancho?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Rio Rancho as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Albuquerque vs Rio Rancho?
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov