Albuquerque vs Santa Fe: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Santa Fe, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,794▲ | $62,349 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.44▲ | $29.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,251▲ | $47,765 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,633▲ | $54,300 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,856▲ | $74,811 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,025 | $88,702▲ |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 20 |
Verdict
Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Fe.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Santa Fe is $13,445 (21.56%). Albuquerque's median is +15.87% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $33,774,Santa Fe spans $40,937. Santa Fe has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Albuquerque ($79,327 effective) pays 20.11% more than Santa Fe ($66,048 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albuquerque if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,794/year)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,327)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,702)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Albuquerque grew 14.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.8% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$63,240 (2024) → $72,440 (2025)
Santa Fe, NM
$55,282 (2024) → $59,590 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Albuquerque or Santa Fe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Santa Fe?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Santa Fe as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Albuquerque vs Santa Fe?
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in athletic training. She specializes in injury prevention and rehabilitation. She has worked at several high schools and collegiate athletic programs.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.63% 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 Jordan Lee, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov