Los Lunas vs Santa Fe: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Los Lunas, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Lunas, NM | Santa Fe, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,725 | $76,897▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.72 | $36.97▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,704 | $55,947▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,160 | $62,141▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $68,765 | $86,526▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,977 | $90,796▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Santa Fe, NM offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Lunas.
The salary gap between Los Lunas and Santa Fe is $17,172 (28.75%). Santa Fe's median is +12.97% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Lunas spans $22,273,Santa Fe spans $34,849. Santa Fe 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, Santa Fe ($77,857 effective) pays 23.06% more than Los Lunas ($63,268 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Lunas if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,897/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,796)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,857)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Los Lunas grew 7.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 75.6% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.
Los Lunas, NM
$52,643 (2024) → $56,504 (2025)
Santa Fe, NM
$41,440 (2019) → $72,750 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Lunas, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Los Lunas or Santa Fe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Lunas and Santa Fe?
Should I relocate from Los Lunas to Santa Fe as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Los Lunas vs Santa Fe?
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