Radiography Tech Salary

Farmington vs Santa Fe: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Farmington, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Farmington, NM
$78,475
$37.73/hr
Santa Fe, NM
$90,549
$43.54/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFarmington, NMSanta Fe, NM
Median Salary$78,475$90,549
Hourly Rate$37.73$43.54
Entry Level (P10)$55,337$64,269
25th Percentile$63,226$74,040
75th Percentile$93,703$109,502
Top Earner (P90)$109,614$132,139
Total Employed860
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Farmington ($78,475) and Santa Fe ($90,549) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.FarmingtonSanta FeMedian Salary$78,475$90,549Entry Level (P10)$55,337$64,269Top Earner (P90)$109,614$132,139US Median $84,348

Verdict

Santa Fe, NM offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Farmington.

The salary gap between Farmington and Santa Fe is $12,074 (15.39%). Santa Fe's median is +7.35% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Farmington spans $54,277,Santa Fe spans $67,870. Santa Fe has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.

Farmington
P10 (Entry)$55,337
P25$63,226
Median$78,475
P75$93,703
P90 (Top)$109,614
Santa Fe
P10 (Entry)$64,269
P25$74,040
Median$90,549
P75$109,502
P90 (Top)$132,139

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Santa Fe ($91,679 effective) pays 10.28% more than Farmington ($83,130 effective).

Farmington
Nominal: $78,475
CoL Index: 94.4
Adjusted: $83,130
Santa Fe
Nominal: $90,549
CoL Index: 98.767
Adjusted: $91,679

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Farmington if…

  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Choose Santa Fe if…

  • Higher median salary ($90,549/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($132,139)
  • Larger job market (60 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,679)
  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Farmington grew -3.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 51.8% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.

Farmington, NM

+-3.4%

$77,180 (2024) → $74,532 (2025)

Santa Fe, NM

+51.8%

$56,640 (2019) → $86,000 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Farmington or Santa Fe?

Santa Fe has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $90,549/year, compared to Farmington at $78,475/year — a difference of $12,074 (15.39%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Farmington and Santa Fe?

Farmington radiologic technologist and technicians earn $37.73/hr while Santa Fe hygienists earn $43.54/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Farmington to Santa Fe as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Farmington and Santa Fe. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Farmington = $83,130, Santa Fe = $91,679), job availability (8 vs 60 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Farmington vs Santa Fe?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $55,337 in Farmington and $64,269 in Santa Fe. The Santa Fe area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM)

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in radiologic technology. They specialize in mammography and work in an outpatient imaging center.

Clinically reviewed by Marisol Patel, RT(R), BSData verified by Samuel Kim, RT(R)(CT), MHA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.29% 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, RT(R), RT(TM), a licensed radiologic technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov