Albuquerque vs Las Cruces: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Las Cruces, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Las Cruces, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,576▲ | $83,954 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.55▲ | $40.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,193▲ | $58,834 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,971▲ | $66,221 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,820▲ | $106,588 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,516 | $120,040▲ |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Las Cruces.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Las Cruces is $6,622 (7.89%). Albuquerque's median is -10.63% 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,Las Cruces spans $61,206. Las Cruces 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, Albuquerque ($94,798 effective) pays 1.86% more than Las Cruces ($93,063 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 ($90,576/year)
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,798)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($120,040)
- ✓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 15.6% growth in Las Cruces over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$67,900 (2019) → $86,320 (2025)
Las Cruces, NM
$69,190 (2020) → $80,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Las Cruces, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Albuquerque or Las Cruces?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Las Cruces?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Las Cruces as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Albuquerque vs Las Cruces?
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