Rio Rancho vs Santa Fe: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Rio Rancho, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rio Rancho, NM | Santa Fe, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,624▲ | $134,023 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.69▲ | $64.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,242▲ | $77,734 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,761▲ | $105,900 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,551▲ | $162,870 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $206,495▲ | $198,806 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 20▲ |
Verdict
Rio Rancho, NM offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Fe.
The salary gap between Rio Rancho and Santa Fe is $2,601 (1.94%). Rio Rancho's median is -2.84% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rio Rancho spans $127,253,Santa Fe spans $121,072. Rio Rancho 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, Rio Rancho ($144,729 effective) pays 1.94% more than Santa Fe ($141,974 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rio Rancho if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,624/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($206,495)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $144,729)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Larger job market (20 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Rio Rancho grew 6.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.7% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.
Rio Rancho, NM
$124,369 (2024) → $132,696 (2025)
Santa Fe, NM
$122,002 (2024) → $130,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rio Rancho, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Rio Rancho or Santa Fe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rio Rancho and Santa Fe?
Should I relocate from Rio Rancho to Santa Fe as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Rio Rancho vs Santa Fe?
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