Albuquerque vs Carlsbad: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant 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 | $41,148 | $42,927▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.78 | $20.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,978▲ | $35,074 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,122▲ | $36,621 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,790▲ | $45,231 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,281 | $53,289▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,570▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Carlsbad, NM offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Albuquerque.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Carlsbad is $1,779 (4.32%). Carlsbad's median is -10.50% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $12,303,Carlsbad spans $18,215. Carlsbad has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Carlsbad ($45,474 effective) pays 5.59% more than Albuquerque ($43,066 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albuquerque if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,570 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Carlsbad if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,927/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($53,289)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,474)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Albuquerque grew 26.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.2% growth in Carlsbad over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$31,050 (2019) → $39,200 (2025)
Carlsbad, NM
$35,802 (2024) → $40,895 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Carlsbad, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Albuquerque or Carlsbad?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Carlsbad?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Carlsbad as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Albuquerque vs Carlsbad?
Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov