Albuquerque vs South Valley: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Albuquerque, NM and South Valley, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | South Valley, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $170,718▲ | $128,545 |
| Hourly Rate | $82.07▲ | $61.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,948 | $74,555▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $128,206▲ | $107,590 |
| 75th Percentile | $190,239▲ | $155,601 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $215,413▲ | $187,194 |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Valley.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and South Valley is $42,173 (32.81%). Albuquerque's median is +21.41% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $151,465,South Valley spans $112,639. 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 ($178,676 effective) pays 31.22% more than South Valley ($136,171 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 ($170,718/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($215,413)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $178,676)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose South Valley if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Albuquerque grew 53.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.7% growth in South Valley over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$108,300 (2019) → $165,810 (2025)
South Valley, NM
$117,015 (2024) → $124,849 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
South Valley, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Albuquerque or South Valley?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and South Valley?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to South Valley as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Albuquerque vs South Valley?
Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% 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 Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov