Albuquerque vs Los Alamos: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Los Alamos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Los Alamos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,637 | $53,923▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.58 | $25.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,637▲ | $33,496 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,637 | $41,477▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $52,008 | $69,021▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,261▲ | $83,580 |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Albuquerque and Los Alamos are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Los Alamos is $15,286 (39.56%). Los Alamos's median is -12.99% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $58,624,Los Alamos spans $50,084. Albuquerque 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, Los Alamos ($57,122 effective) pays 41.26% more than Albuquerque ($40,438 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albuquerque if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,261)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Los Alamos if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,923/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,122)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Albuquerque grew -13.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.1% growth in Los Alamos over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$41,880 (2019) → $36,440 (2025)
Los Alamos, NM
$40,023 (2024) → $50,856 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Los Alamos, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Albuquerque or Los Alamos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Los Alamos?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Los Alamos as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Albuquerque vs Los Alamos?
Written by Jordan Lee, LMT
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in massage therapy. They specialize in sports massage. They work in a wellness center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.03% 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 Jordan Lee, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov