Gallup vs Santa Fe: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Gallup, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gallup, NM | Santa Fe, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $123,411 | $134,023▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $59.34 | $64.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,411 | $77,734▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $103,511 | $105,900▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $148,163 | $162,870▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,304 | $198,806▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 20▲ |
Verdict
Santa Fe, NM offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gallup.
The salary gap between Gallup and Santa Fe is $10,612 (8.60%). Santa Fe's median is -4.69% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gallup spans $96,893,Santa Fe spans $121,072. Santa Fe has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Santa Fe ($141,974 effective) pays 8.60% more than Gallup ($130,732 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gallup if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,023/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($198,806)
- ✓Larger job market (20 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,974)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Gallup grew 6.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.7% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.
Gallup, NM
$112,342 (2024) → $119,863 (2025)
Santa Fe, NM
$122,002 (2024) → $130,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gallup, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Gallup or Santa Fe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gallup and Santa Fe?
Should I relocate from Gallup to Santa Fe as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Gallup vs Santa Fe?
Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% 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 Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov