Vet Tech salary

Alamogordo vs Santa Fe: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Alamogordo, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Alamogordo, NM
$45,908
$22.07/hr
Santa Fe, NM
$48,699
$23.41/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlamogordo, NMSanta Fe, NM
Median Salary$45,908$48,699
Hourly Rate$22.07$23.41
Entry Level (P10)$34,178$39,341
25th Percentile$38,605$48,646
75th Percentile$56,103$50,081
Top Earner (P90)$60,838$60,546
Total Employed8130
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Alamogordo ($45,908) and Santa Fe ($48,699) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.AlamogordoSanta FeMedian Salary$45,908$48,699Entry Level (P10)$34,178$39,341Top Earner (P90)$60,838$60,546US Median $49,986

Verdict

Santa Fe, NM offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Alamogordo.

The salary gap between Alamogordo and Santa Fe is $2,791 (6.08%). Santa Fe's median is -2.57% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alamogordo spans $26,660,Santa Fe spans $21,205. Alamogordo has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Alamogordo
P10 (Entry)$34,178
P25$38,605
Median$45,908
P75$56,103
P90 (Top)$60,838
Santa Fe
P10 (Entry)$39,341
P25$48,646
Median$48,699
P75$50,081
P90 (Top)$60,546

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Santa Fe ($49,307 effective) pays 1.39% more than Alamogordo ($48,631 effective).

Alamogordo
Nominal: $45,908
CoL Index: 94.4
Adjusted: $48,631
Santa Fe
Nominal: $48,699
CoL Index: 98.767
Adjusted: $49,307

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Alamogordo if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($60,838)
  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Choose Santa Fe if…

  • Higher median salary ($48,699/year)
  • Larger job market (130 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,307)
  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Alamogordo grew 39.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.0% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.

Alamogordo, NM

+39.4%

$31,227 (2024) → $43,515 (2025)

Santa Fe, NM

+17.0%

$39,450 (2019) → $46,160 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Alamogordo or Santa Fe?

Santa Fe has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $48,699/year, compared to Alamogordo at $45,908/year — a difference of $2,791 (6.08%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Alamogordo and Santa Fe?

Alamogordo veterinary technologist and technicians earn $22.07/hr while Santa Fe hygienists earn $23.41/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Alamogordo to Santa Fe as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Alamogordo and Santa Fe. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Alamogordo = $48,631, Santa Fe = $49,307), job availability (8 vs 130 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Alamogordo vs Santa Fe?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $34,178 in Alamogordo and $39,341 in Santa Fe. The Santa Fe area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, CVT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% 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, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov