Albuquerque vs Hobbs: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Hobbs, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Hobbs, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,625▲ | $72,095 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.36▲ | $34.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,331▲ | $43,923 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,959▲ | $59,011 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,625 | $92,281▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,295 | $107,846▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,780▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hobbs.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Hobbs is $3,530 (4.90%). Albuquerque's median is -3.71% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $13,964,Hobbs spans $63,923. Hobbs has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Albuquerque ($79,150 effective) pays 3.64% more than Hobbs ($76,372 effective).
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 ($75,625/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,780 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,150)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Hobbs if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,846)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Albuquerque grew 28.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.9% growth in Hobbs over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$57,100 (2019) → $73,380 (2025)
Hobbs, NM
$56,911 (2024) → $69,954 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Albuquerque or Hobbs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Hobbs?
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov