Farmington vs Los Alamos: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Farmington, NM and Los Alamos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Farmington, NM | Los Alamos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,397▲ | $59,289 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.48▲ | $28.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,477▲ | $45,348 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,455▲ | $51,845 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,754▲ | $71,998 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,675▲ | $84,918 |
| Total Employed | 8▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Farmington, NM offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Alamos.
The salary gap between Farmington and Los Alamos is $4,108 (6.93%). Farmington's median is -6.96% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Farmington spans $44,198,Los Alamos spans $39,570. Farmington 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, Farmington ($67,158 effective) pays 6.93% more than Los Alamos ($62,806 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Farmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,397/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,675)
- ✓Larger job market (8 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,158)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Los Alamos if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Farmington grew 15.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.4% growth in Los Alamos over the same period.
Farmington, NM
$52,101 (2024) → $60,149 (2025)
Los Alamos, NM
$48,724 (2024) → $56,251 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Farmington, NM
Los Alamos, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Farmington or Los Alamos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Farmington and Los Alamos?
Should I relocate from Farmington to Los Alamos as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Farmington vs Los Alamos?
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