Veterinarian Salary

Albuquerque vs Deming: Veterinarian Salary (2026)

Compare veterinarian salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Deming, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Albuquerque, NM
$147,995
$71.15/hr
Deming, NM
$120,962
$58.15/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlbuquerque, NMDeming, NM
Median Salary$147,995$120,962
Hourly Rate$71.15$58.15
Entry Level (P10)$96,049$76,681
25th Percentile$126,704$99,340
75th Percentile$183,780$151,104
Top Earner (P90)$234,755$187,491
Total Employed2404
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Albuquerque ($147,995) and Deming ($120,962) veterinarian salaries.AlbuquerqueDemingMedian Salary$147,995$120,962Entry Level (P10)$96,049$76,681Top Earner (P90)$234,755$187,491US Median $137,334

Verdict

Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Deming.

The salary gap between Albuquerque and Deming is $27,033 (22.35%). Albuquerque's median is +7.76% compared to the US national median of $137,334.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $138,706,Deming spans $110,810. Albuquerque has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Albuquerque
P10 (Entry)$96,049
P25$126,704
Median$147,995
P75$183,780
P90 (Top)$234,755
Deming
P10 (Entry)$76,681
P25$99,340
Median$120,962
P75$151,104
P90 (Top)$187,491

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Albuquerque ($154,894 effective) pays 20.88% more than Deming ($128,138 effective).

Albuquerque
Nominal: $147,995
CoL Index: 95.546
Adjusted: $154,894
Deming
Nominal: $120,962
CoL Index: 94.4
Adjusted: $128,138

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 ($147,995/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($234,755)
  • Larger job market (240 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,894)
  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Choose Deming if…

  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Albuquerque grew 50.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.7% growth in Deming over the same period.

Albuquerque, NM

+50.9%

$92,900 (2019) → $140,200 (2025)

Deming, NM

+22.7%

$93,364 (2024) → $114,591 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinarians more: Albuquerque or Deming?

Albuquerque has a higher median veterinarian salary at $147,995/year, compared to Deming at $120,962/year — a difference of $27,033 (22.35%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Deming?

Albuquerque veterinarians earn $71.15/hr while Deming hygienists earn $58.15/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Deming as a veterinarian?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Albuquerque and Deming. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Albuquerque = $154,894, Deming = $128,138), job availability (240 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Albuquerque vs Deming?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinarians earn $96,049 in Albuquerque and $76,681 in Deming. The Albuquerque area offers higher starting salaries.
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM

Career Analyst

Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Samuel Patel, DVMData verified by Dr. Maria Gomez, DVM

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov