Albuquerque vs Hobbs: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Hobbs, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Hobbs, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,576 | $93,032▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.55 | $44.73▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,193▲ | $64,230 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,971▲ | $81,318 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,820▲ | $103,576 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,516 | $123,718▲ |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Hobbs, NM offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Albuquerque.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Hobbs is $2,456 (2.71%). Hobbs's median is -8.21% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $37,323,Hobbs spans $59,488. Hobbs has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced diagnostic medical sonographers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hobbs ($98,551 effective) pays 3.96% more than Albuquerque ($94,798 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albuquerque if…
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Hobbs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($93,032/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($123,718)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,551)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Albuquerque grew 27.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.2% growth in Hobbs over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$67,900 (2019) → $86,320 (2025)
Hobbs, NM
$66,090 (2024) → $88,661 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Albuquerque or Hobbs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Hobbs?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Hobbs as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Albuquerque vs Hobbs?
Written by Aisha Khan, RDMS, RVT
Career Analyst
Aisha has over 10 years of experience in abdominal sonography. She works at a regional hospital. Aisha also conducts training for new sonographers.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.93% 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 Khan, RDMS, RVT, a licensed diagnostic medical sonographer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov