Santa Fe vs South Valley: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Santa Fe, NM and South Valley, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Santa Fe, NM | South Valley, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,023▲ | $128,545 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.43▲ | $61.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,734▲ | $74,555 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,900 | $107,590▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $162,870▲ | $155,601 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $198,806▲ | $187,194 |
| Total Employed | 20▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Santa Fe, NM offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Valley.
The salary gap between Santa Fe and South Valley is $5,478 (4.26%). Santa Fe's median is -4.69% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Santa Fe spans $121,072,South Valley spans $112,639. Santa Fe 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, Santa Fe ($141,974 effective) pays 4.26% 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 Santa Fe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,023/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($198,806)
- ✓Larger job market (20 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,974)
- ✓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 Santa Fe grew 6.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.7% growth in South Valley over the same period.
Santa Fe, NM
$122,002 (2024) → $130,170 (2025)
South Valley, NM
$117,015 (2024) → $124,849 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Santa Fe, NM
South Valley, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Santa Fe or South Valley?
What is the hourly rate difference between Santa Fe and South Valley?
Should I relocate from Santa Fe to South Valley as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Santa Fe 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