Alamogordo vs Albuquerque: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Alamogordo, NM and Albuquerque, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alamogordo, NM | Albuquerque, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,518▲ | $60,640 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.06▲ | $29.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,747▲ | $40,272 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,597▲ | $41,614 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,174 | $77,076▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,556 | $81,812▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 1,420▲ |
Verdict
Alamogordo and Albuquerque are closely matched on overall licensed practical nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Alamogordo and Albuquerque is $1,878 (3.10%). Alamogordo's median is -8.16% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alamogordo spans $32,809,Albuquerque spans $41,540. Albuquerque has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Alamogordo ($66,227 effective) pays 4.35% more than Albuquerque ($63,467 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alamogordo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,518/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,227)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Albuquerque if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,812)
- ✓Larger job market (1,420 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Alamogordo grew 7.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.3% growth in Albuquerque over the same period.
Alamogordo, NM
$55,106 (2024) → $59,147 (2025)
Albuquerque, NM
$50,200 (2019) → $57,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alamogordo, NM
Albuquerque, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Alamogordo or Albuquerque?
What is the hourly rate difference between Alamogordo and Albuquerque?
Should I relocate from Alamogordo to Albuquerque as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Alamogordo vs Albuquerque?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov