Farmington vs Rio Rancho: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Farmington, NM and Rio Rancho, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Farmington, NM | Rio Rancho, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $147,634▲ | $136,409 |
| Hourly Rate | $70.98▲ | $65.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,330▲ | $96,484 |
| 25th Percentile | $132,673▲ | $118,345 |
| 75th Percentile | $160,053 | $166,978▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,781 | $195,031▲ |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Farmington, NM offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rio Rancho.
The salary gap between Farmington and Rio Rancho is $11,225 (8.23%). Farmington's median is +5.16% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Farmington spans $69,451,Rio Rancho spans $98,547. Rio Rancho has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Farmington ($168,326 effective) pays 16.49% more than Rio Rancho ($144,501 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Farmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($147,634/year)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $168,326)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Rio Rancho if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($195,031)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Farmington grew 18.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.2% growth in Rio Rancho over the same period.
Farmington, NM
$120,850 (2019) → $142,890 (2025)
Rio Rancho, NM
$114,653 (2024) → $132,026 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Farmington, NM
Rio Rancho, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Farmington or Rio Rancho?
What is the hourly rate difference between Farmington and Rio Rancho?
Should I relocate from Farmington to Rio Rancho as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Farmington vs Rio Rancho?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov