Albuquerque vs Carlsbad: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Carlsbad, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Carlsbad, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $493,338▲ | $429,521 |
| Hourly Rate | $237.18▲ | $206.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $286,137▲ | $249,122 |
| 25th Percentile | $355,204▲ | $309,255 |
| 75th Percentile | $618,486▲ | $527,266 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $759,676▲ | $585,282 |
| Total Employed | 109▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carlsbad.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Carlsbad is $63,817 (14.86%). Albuquerque's median is +20.59% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $473,539,Carlsbad spans $336,160. 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, Albuquerque ($522,604 effective) pays 14.86% more than Carlsbad ($455,001 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 ($493,338/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($759,676)
- ✓Larger job market (109 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $522,604)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Carlsbad if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Albuquerque grew 31.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.2% growth in Carlsbad over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$359,815 (2024) → $472,094 (2025)
Carlsbad, NM
$313,271 (2024) → $411,025 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Carlsbad, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Albuquerque or Carlsbad?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Carlsbad?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Carlsbad as a anesthesiologist?
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has over 10 years of experience in anesthesiology. She specializes in perioperative care at a major metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.50% 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 anesthesiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov