Albuquerque vs Farmington: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Farmington, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Farmington, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,148▲ | $39,301 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.78▲ | $18.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,978▲ | $32,919 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,122▲ | $38,314 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,790▲ | $46,901 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,281▲ | $49,168 |
| Total Employed | 2,570▲ | 360 |
Verdict
Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Farmington.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Farmington is $1,847 (4.70%). Albuquerque's median is -14.21% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $12,303,Farmington spans $16,249. Farmington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Farmington ($44,809 effective) pays 4.05% more than Albuquerque ($43,066 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 ($41,148/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,281)
- ✓Larger job market (2,570 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Farmington if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,809)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Albuquerque grew 26.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.4% growth in Farmington over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$31,050 (2019) → $39,200 (2025)
Farmington, NM
$29,860 (2019) → $37,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Farmington, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Albuquerque or Farmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Farmington?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Farmington as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Albuquerque vs Farmington?
Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov