Santa Fe vs Taos: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Santa Fe, NM and Taos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Santa Fe, NM | Taos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,946▲ | $103,277 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.86▲ | $49.65 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,959▲ | $67,185 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,414▲ | $81,993 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,958 | $131,531▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $141,427 | $158,390▲ |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Santa Fe, NM offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Taos.
The salary gap between Santa Fe and Taos is $6,669 (6.46%). Santa Fe's median is -7.55% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Santa Fe spans $66,468,Taos spans $91,205. Taos has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced construction managers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Santa Fe ($111,319 effective) pays 1.75% more than Taos ($109,404 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,946/year)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,319)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Taos if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($158,390)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Santa Fe grew -1.7% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 25.0% growth in Taos over the same period.
Santa Fe, NM
$108,180 (2020) → $106,310 (2025)
Taos, NM
$79,897 (2024) → $99,862 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Santa Fe or Taos?
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Written by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM
Career Analyst
Michael has 10 years of experience in construction management. He specializes in project scheduling and cost control. He works with a mid-sized general contracting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.42% 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 Michael Johnson, MS, CCM, a licensed construction manager with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov