Chiropractor Salary

Los Alamos vs Santa Fe: Chiropractor Salary (2026)

Compare chiropractor salaries between Los Alamos, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Los Alamos, NM
$70,488
$33.89/hr
Santa Fe, NM
$77,218
$37.12/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLos Alamos, NMSanta Fe, NM
Median Salary$70,488$77,218
Hourly Rate$33.89$37.12
Entry Level (P10)$41,777$44,787
25th Percentile$55,279$57,725
75th Percentile$90,225$98,839
Top Earner (P90)$109,257$119,687
Total Employed620
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Los Alamos ($70,488) and Santa Fe ($77,218) chiropractor salaries.Los AlamosSanta FeMedian Salary$70,488$77,218Entry Level (P10)$41,777$44,787Top Earner (P90)$109,257$119,687US Median $81,014

Verdict

Santa Fe, NM offers better overall compensation for chiropractors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Alamos.

The salary gap between Los Alamos and Santa Fe is $6,730 (9.55%). Santa Fe's median is -4.69% compared to the US national median of $81,014.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Alamos spans $67,480,Santa Fe spans $74,900. Santa Fe has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced chiropractors.

Los Alamos
P10 (Entry)$41,777
P25$55,279
Median$70,488
P75$90,225
P90 (Top)$109,257
Santa Fe
P10 (Entry)$44,787
P25$57,725
Median$77,218
P75$98,839
P90 (Top)$119,687

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Santa Fe ($81,799 effective) pays 9.55% more than Los Alamos ($74,669 effective).

Los Alamos
Nominal: $70,488
CoL Index: 94.4
Adjusted: $74,669
Santa Fe
Nominal: $77,218
CoL Index: 94.4
Adjusted: $81,799

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Los Alamos if…

  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Choose Santa Fe if…

  • Higher median salary ($77,218/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($119,687)
  • Larger job market (20 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,799)
  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, chiropractor salaries in Los Alamos grew 1.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.5% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.

Los Alamos, NM

+1.5%

$67,866 (2024) → $68,910 (2025)

Santa Fe, NM

+1.5%

$74,345 (2024) → $75,489 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays chiropractors more: Los Alamos or Santa Fe?

Santa Fe has a higher median chiropractor salary at $77,218/year, compared to Los Alamos at $70,488/year — a difference of $6,730 (9.55%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Los Alamos and Santa Fe?

Los Alamos chiropractors earn $33.89/hr while Santa Fe hygienists earn $37.12/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Los Alamos to Santa Fe as a chiropractor?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Los Alamos and Santa Fe. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Los Alamos = $74,669, Santa Fe = $81,799), job availability (6 vs 20 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level chiropractors earn in Los Alamos vs Santa Fe?

Entry-level (10th percentile) chiropractors earn $41,777 in Los Alamos and $44,787 in Santa Fe. The Santa Fe area offers higher starting salaries.
MG

Written by Maria Gonzalez, D.C.

Career Analyst

Maria has 10 years of experience as a chiropractor. She specializes in sports injuries and practices in a private clinic. Maria also conducts workshops for community health education.

Clinically reviewed by David Lee, D.C.Data verified by Amina Patel, D.C.

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.29% 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 Maria Gonzalez, D.C., a licensed chiropractor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov