Albuquerque vs Taos: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Taos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Taos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,576 | $59,177▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.24 | $28.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,545▲ | $45,077 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,697 | $51,612▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,111 | $70,480▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,897▲ | $82,524 |
| Total Employed | 350▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Albuquerque and Taos are closely matched on overall surgical technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Taos is $4,601 (8.43%). Taos's median is -13.16% 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,Taos spans $37,447. Taos 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, Taos ($62,687 effective) pays 9.75% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,897)
- ✓Larger job market (350 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Taos if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,177/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,687)
- ✓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 Taos over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$40,800 (2019) → $51,780 (2025)
Taos, NM
$48,633 (2024) → $56,145 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Albuquerque or Taos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Taos?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Taos as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Albuquerque vs Taos?
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