Albuquerque vs Rio Rancho: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Rio Rancho, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Rio Rancho, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,794▲ | $63,560 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.44▲ | $30.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,251▲ | $47,403 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,633▲ | $54,749 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,856▲ | $76,962 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,025 | $92,129▲ |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rio Rancho.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Rio Rancho is $12,234 (19.25%). Albuquerque's median is +15.87% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $33,774,Rio Rancho spans $44,726. Rio Rancho has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Albuquerque ($79,327 effective) pays 17.82% more than Rio Rancho ($67,331 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albuquerque if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,794/year)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,327)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Rio Rancho if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,129)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Albuquerque grew 14.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.8% growth in Rio Rancho over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$63,240 (2024) → $72,440 (2025)
Rio Rancho, NM
$56,355 (2024) → $60,747 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Rio Rancho, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Albuquerque or Rio Rancho?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Rio Rancho?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Rio Rancho as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Albuquerque vs Rio Rancho?
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in athletic training. She specializes in injury prevention and rehabilitation. She has worked at several high schools and collegiate athletic programs.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.63% 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, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov