Rio Rancho vs Santa Fe: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist 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 | $429,367▲ | $421,195 |
| Hourly Rate | $206.43▲ | $202.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $249,033▲ | $244,293 |
| 25th Percentile | $309,144▲ | $303,260 |
| 75th Percentile | $523,643▲ | $509,021 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $619,149▲ | $596,130 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 20▲ |
Verdict
Rio Rancho, NM offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Fe.
The salary gap between Rio Rancho and Santa Fe is $8,172 (1.94%). Rio Rancho's median is -2.84% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rio Rancho spans $370,116,Santa Fe spans $351,837. 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 ($454,838 effective) pays 1.94% more than Santa Fe ($446,181 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 ($429,367/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($619,149)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $454,838)
- ✓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, radiologist salaries in Rio Rancho grew 20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.
Rio Rancho, NM
$340,071 (2024) → $408,921 (2025)
Santa Fe, NM
$333,599 (2024) → $401,138 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rio Rancho, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
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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