Las Cruces vs Los Lunas: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Las Cruces, NM and Los Lunas, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Cruces, NM | Los Lunas, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,185▲ | $59,725 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.34▲ | $28.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,972 | $50,704▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,873 | $57,160▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,544▲ | $68,765 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,098▲ | $72,977 |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Lunas.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and Los Lunas is $5,460 (9.14%). 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 Las Cruces spans $38,126,Los Lunas spans $22,273. Las Cruces 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 14.21% more than Los Lunas ($63,268 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,185/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,098)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,258)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Los Lunas if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Las Cruces grew 24.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.3% growth in Los Lunas over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$49,430 (2019) → $61,670 (2025)
Los Lunas, NM
$52,643 (2024) → $56,504 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
Los Lunas, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Las Cruces or Los Lunas?
What is the hourly rate difference between Las Cruces and Los Lunas?
Should I relocate from Las Cruces to Los Lunas as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Las Cruces vs Los Lunas?
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