Albuquerque vs Los Alamos: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Los Alamos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Los Alamos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,640▲ | $59,227 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.15▲ | $28.48 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,272 | $49,193▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,614 | $56,080▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,076▲ | $68,882 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,812▲ | $73,483 |
| Total Employed | 1,420▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Alamos.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Los Alamos is $1,413 (2.39%). Albuquerque's median is -10.92% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $41,540,Los Alamos spans $24,290. Albuquerque 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, Albuquerque ($63,467 effective) pays 1.16% more than Los Alamos ($62,740 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 ($60,640/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,812)
- ✓Larger job market (1,420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,467)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Los Alamos 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 Albuquerque grew 14.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.3% growth in Los Alamos over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$50,200 (2019) → $57,370 (2025)
Los Alamos, NM
$52,204 (2024) → $56,033 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Los Alamos, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Albuquerque or Los Alamos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Los Alamos?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Los Alamos as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Albuquerque vs Los Alamos?
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