Farmington vs Taos: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Farmington, NM and Taos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Farmington, NM | Taos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,263▲ | $59,116 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.86▲ | $28.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,316 | $48,915▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,320 | $55,840▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,068▲ | $67,371 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,709▲ | $71,113 |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Farmington, NM offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Taos.
The salary gap between Farmington and Taos is $7,147 (12.09%). Farmington's median is -2.66% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Farmington spans $59,393,Taos spans $22,198. 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 ($75,550 effective) pays 20.64% more than Taos ($62,623 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 ($66,263/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,709)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,550)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Taos if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Farmington grew 29.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.3% growth in Taos over the same period.
Farmington, NM
$48,390 (2019) → $62,690 (2025)
Taos, NM
$52,106 (2024) → $55,928 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Farmington, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Farmington or Taos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Farmington and Taos?
Should I relocate from Farmington to Taos as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Farmington vs Taos?
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