Albuquerque vs South Valley: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist 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 | $100,979 | $403,978▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.55 | $194.22▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,029 | $234,308▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $91,140 | $290,865▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $114,755 | $486,335▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $138,716 | $561,631▲ |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 6 |
Verdict
South Valley, NM offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Albuquerque.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and South Valley is $302,999 (300.06%). South Valley's median is -8.58% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $57,687,South Valley spans $327,323. South Valley has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, South Valley ($427,943 effective) pays 304.92% more than Albuquerque ($105,686 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 (110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose South Valley if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($403,978/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($561,631)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $427,943)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Albuquerque grew -22.6% from 2023 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in South Valley over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$124,250 (2023) → $96,170 (2025)
South Valley, NM
$319,962 (2024) → $384,741 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
South Valley, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists 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 radiologist?
What do entry-level radiologists earn in Albuquerque vs South Valley?
Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has 10 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. She specializes in imaging techniques for oncology. She works at a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.00% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov