Dietitian Pay

Albuquerque vs Hobbs: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)

Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Hobbs, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Albuquerque, NM
$78,538
$37.76/hr
Hobbs, NM
$72,864
$35.04/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlbuquerque, NMHobbs, NM
Median Salary$78,538$72,864
Hourly Rate$37.76$35.04
Entry Level (P10)$56,200$45,828
25th Percentile$69,675$63,168
75th Percentile$81,821$85,595
Top Earner (P90)$94,352$98,186
Total Employed2509
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Albuquerque ($78,538) and Hobbs ($72,864) dietitian and nutritionist salaries.AlbuquerqueHobbsMedian Salary$78,538$72,864Entry Level (P10)$56,200$45,828Top Earner (P90)$94,352$98,186US Median $79,380

Verdict

Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hobbs.

The salary gap between Albuquerque and Hobbs is $5,674 (7.79%). Albuquerque's median is -1.06% compared to the US national median of $79,380.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $38,152,Hobbs spans $52,358. Hobbs has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dietitian and nutritionists.

Albuquerque
P10 (Entry)$56,200
P25$69,675
Median$78,538
P75$81,821
P90 (Top)$94,352
Hobbs
P10 (Entry)$45,828
P25$63,168
Median$72,864
P75$85,595
P90 (Top)$98,186

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Albuquerque ($82,199 effective) pays 6.49% more than Hobbs ($77,186 effective).

Albuquerque
Nominal: $78,538
CoL Index: 95.546
Adjusted: $82,199
Hobbs
Nominal: $72,864
CoL Index: 94.4
Adjusted: $77,186

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Albuquerque if…

  • Higher median salary ($78,538/year)
  • Larger job market (250 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,199)
  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Choose Hobbs if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($98,186)
  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Albuquerque grew 26.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.8% growth in Hobbs over the same period.

Albuquerque, NM

+26.0%

$60,000 (2019) → $75,590 (2025)

Hobbs, NM

+15.8%

$60,582 (2024) → $70,129 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Albuquerque or Hobbs?

Albuquerque has a higher median dietitian and nutritionist salary at $78,538/year, compared to Hobbs at $72,864/year — a difference of $5,674 (7.79%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Hobbs?

Albuquerque dietitian and nutritionists earn $37.76/hr while Hobbs hygienists earn $35.04/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Hobbs as a dietitian and nutritionist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Albuquerque and Hobbs. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Albuquerque = $82,199, Hobbs = $77,186), job availability (250 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Albuquerque vs Hobbs?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dietitian and nutritionists earn $56,200 in Albuquerque and $45,828 in Hobbs. The Albuquerque area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

Written by Aisha Patel, MS, RD

Career Analyst

Aisha has 10 years of experience as a nutrition consultant. She specializes in sports nutrition. Aisha works with professional athletes and teams.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Gomez, RDNData verified by Emily Chen, MS, RDN

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.90% 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, MS, RD, a licensed dietitian and nutritionist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov