Gallup vs Las Cruces: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Gallup, NM and Las Cruces, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gallup, NM | Las Cruces, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,832▲ | $89,904 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.67▲ | $43.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,920▲ | $59,525 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,397▲ | $69,758 |
| 75th Percentile | $115,825▲ | $112,175 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $138,616▲ | $137,699 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 140▲ |
Verdict
Gallup, NM offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Las Cruces.
The salary gap between Gallup and Las Cruces is $928 (1.03%). Gallup's median is -12.23% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gallup spans $70,696,Las Cruces spans $78,174. Las Cruces has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Las Cruces ($99,659 effective) pays 3.57% more than Gallup ($96,220 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gallup if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,832/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($138,616)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,659)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Gallup grew 9.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.7% growth in Las Cruces over the same period.
Gallup, NM
$80,746 (2024) → $88,504 (2025)
Las Cruces, NM
$73,830 (2019) → $87,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gallup, NM
Las Cruces, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov