Carlsbad vs Santa Fe: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Carlsbad, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carlsbad, NM | Santa Fe, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,177 | $50,495▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.76 | $24.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,202 | $40,784▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,191 | $47,775▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $46,186 | $58,213▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $55,111 | $62,568▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 160▲ |
Verdict
Santa Fe, NM offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carlsbad.
The salary gap between Carlsbad and Santa Fe is $7,318 (16.95%). Santa Fe's median is +4.68% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carlsbad spans $19,909,Santa Fe spans $21,784. Santa Fe has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacy technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Santa Fe ($51,125 effective) pays 11.78% more than Carlsbad ($45,738 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carlsbad if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,495/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,568)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,125)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Carlsbad grew 14.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.0% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.
Carlsbad, NM
$35,802 (2024) → $40,949 (2025)
Santa Fe, NM
$35,730 (2019) → $47,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carlsbad, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Carlsbad or Santa Fe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carlsbad and Santa Fe?
Should I relocate from Carlsbad to Santa Fe as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Carlsbad vs Santa Fe?
Written by Emily Tran, PharmD
Career Analyst
Emily Tran has over 8 years of experience as a pharmacy technician. She specializes in medication therapy management. Her experience includes working in community pharmacies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.44% 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 Emily Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov