Rio Rancho vs Santa Fe: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Rio Rancho, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rio Rancho, NM | Santa Fe, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,208▲ | $64,949 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.83▲ | $31.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,481 | $45,857▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,679▲ | $54,235 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,835▲ | $80,520 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,354▲ | $97,580 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 20▲ |
Verdict
Rio Rancho, NM offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Fe.
The salary gap between Rio Rancho and Santa Fe is $1,259 (1.94%). 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 Rio Rancho spans $55,873,Santa Fe spans $51,723. Rio Rancho 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, Rio Rancho ($70,136 effective) pays 1.94% more than Santa Fe ($68,802 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Larger job market (20 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Rio Rancho grew 15.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.1% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.
Rio Rancho, NM
$54,411 (2024) → $62,816 (2025)
Santa Fe, NM
$46,660 (2021) → $61,621 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rio Rancho, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Rio Rancho or Santa Fe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rio Rancho and Santa Fe?
Should I relocate from Rio Rancho to Santa Fe as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Rio Rancho vs Santa Fe?
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