Albuquerque vs Las Cruces: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Las Cruces, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Las Cruces, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,640 | $65,185▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.15 | $31.34▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,272▲ | $38,972 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,614 | $55,873▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,076▲ | $70,544 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,812▲ | $77,098 |
| Total Employed | 1,420▲ | 250 |
Verdict
Albuquerque and Las Cruces are closely matched on overall licensed practical nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Las Cruces is $4,545 (7.50%). Las Cruces's median is -4.24% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $41,540,Las Cruces spans $38,126. Albuquerque has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Las Cruces ($72,258 effective) pays 13.85% more than Albuquerque ($63,467 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albuquerque if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,812)
- ✓Larger job market (1,420 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,185/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,258)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Albuquerque grew 14.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.8% growth in Las Cruces over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$50,200 (2019) → $57,370 (2025)
Las Cruces, NM
$49,430 (2019) → $61,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Las Cruces, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Albuquerque or Las Cruces?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Las Cruces?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Las Cruces as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Albuquerque vs Las Cruces?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov