Las Cruces vs Santa Fe: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Las Cruces, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Cruces, NM | Santa Fe, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,185 | $76,897▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.34 | $36.97▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,972 | $55,947▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,873 | $62,141▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,544 | $86,526▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,098 | $90,796▲ |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Santa Fe, NM offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Las Cruces.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and Santa Fe is $11,712 (17.97%). Santa Fe's median is +12.97% 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,Santa Fe spans $34,849. 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, Santa Fe ($77,857 effective) pays 7.75% more than Las Cruces ($72,258 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,897/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,796)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,857)
- ✓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 75.6% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$49,430 (2019) → $61,670 (2025)
Santa Fe, NM
$41,440 (2019) → $72,750 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Las Cruces or Santa Fe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Las Cruces and Santa Fe?
Should I relocate from Las Cruces to Santa Fe as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Las Cruces vs Santa Fe?
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