Med Lab Scientist Salary

Alamogordo vs Santa Fe: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries between Alamogordo, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Alamogordo, NM
$66,914
$32.17/hr
Santa Fe, NM
$53,683
$25.81/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlamogordo, NMSanta Fe, NM
Median Salary$66,914$53,683
Hourly Rate$32.17$25.81
Entry Level (P10)$40,477$43,318
25th Percentile$51,917$43,940
75th Percentile$85,650$72,994
Top Earner (P90)$103,717$119,915
Total Employed8180
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Alamogordo ($66,914) and Santa Fe ($53,683) medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries.AlamogordoSanta FeMedian Salary$66,914$53,683Entry Level (P10)$40,477$43,318Top Earner (P90)$103,717$119,915US Median $68,734

Verdict

Alamogordo and Santa Fe are closely matched on overall medical and clinical laboratory technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Alamogordo and Santa Fe is $13,231 (24.65%). Alamogordo's median is -2.65% compared to the US national median of $68,734.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alamogordo spans $63,240,Santa Fe spans $76,597. Santa Fe has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical and clinical laboratory technologists.

Alamogordo
P10 (Entry)$40,477
P25$51,917
Median$66,914
P75$85,650
P90 (Top)$103,717
Santa Fe
P10 (Entry)$43,318
P25$43,940
Median$53,683
P75$72,994
P90 (Top)$119,915

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Alamogordo ($70,883 effective) pays 30.41% more than Santa Fe ($54,353 effective).

Alamogordo
Nominal: $66,914
CoL Index: 94.4
Adjusted: $70,883
Santa Fe
Nominal: $53,683
CoL Index: 98.767
Adjusted: $54,353

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Alamogordo if…

  • Higher median salary ($66,914/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,883)
  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Choose Santa Fe if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($119,915)
  • Larger job market (180 employed)
  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Alamogordo grew 14.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -12.4% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.

Alamogordo, NM

+14.0%

$56,942 (2024) → $64,940 (2025)

Santa Fe, NM

+-12.4%

$59,450 (2020) → $52,099 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists more: Alamogordo or Santa Fe?

Alamogordo has a higher median medical and clinical laboratory technologist salary at $66,914/year, compared to Santa Fe at $53,683/year — a difference of $13,231 (24.65%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Alamogordo and Santa Fe?

Alamogordo medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $32.17/hr while Santa Fe hygienists earn $25.81/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Alamogordo to Santa Fe as a medical and clinical laboratory technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Alamogordo and Santa Fe. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Alamogordo = $70,883, Santa Fe = $54,353), job availability (8 vs 180 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Alamogordo vs Santa Fe?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn $40,477 in Alamogordo and $43,318 in Santa Fe. The Santa Fe area offers higher starting salaries.
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Written by Alexandra Choi, MS, MT(ASCP)

Career Analyst

Alexandra has 10 years of experience in clinical laboratory science. She specializes in molecular diagnostics. She works at a large metropolitan hospital.

Clinically reviewed by Jerome Patel, BS, MT(ASCP)Data verified by Fatima Hussain, MS, CLS

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.04% 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 Alexandra Choi, MS, MT(ASCP), a licensed medical and clinical laboratory technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov