Los Alamos vs Santa Fe: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Los Alamos, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Alamos, NM | Santa Fe, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,923▲ | $50,248 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.92▲ | $24.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,496▲ | $26,465 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,477▲ | $26,465 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,021▲ | $50,258 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,580▲ | $57,405 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 50▲ |
Verdict
Los Alamos, NM offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Fe.
The salary gap between Los Alamos and Santa Fe is $3,675 (7.31%). 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 Los Alamos spans $50,084,Santa Fe spans $30,940. Los Alamos 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 12.28% more than Santa Fe ($50,875 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Alamos if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,923/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,580)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,122)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Los Alamos grew 27.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -2.1% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.
Los Alamos, NM
$40,023 (2024) → $50,856 (2025)
Santa Fe, NM
$48,400 (2020) → $47,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Alamos, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Los Alamos or Santa Fe?
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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