Las Cruces vs Los Alamos: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Las Cruces, NM and Los Alamos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Cruces, NM | Los Alamos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,904 | $90,046▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.23 | $43.29▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,525 | $65,628▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $69,758 | $73,790▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $112,175 | $113,925▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,699 | $139,054▲ |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Los Alamos, NM offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Las Cruces.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and Los Alamos is $142 (0.16%). Los Alamos's median is -12.99% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Las Cruces spans $78,174,Los Alamos spans $73,426. 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 ($99,659 effective) pays 4.48% more than Los Alamos ($95,388 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 (140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,659)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Los Alamos if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,046/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,054)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Las Cruces grew 18.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.6% growth in Los Alamos over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$73,830 (2019) → $87,600 (2025)
Los Alamos, NM
$80,047 (2024) → $87,738 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
Los Alamos, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Las Cruces or Los Alamos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Las Cruces and Los Alamos?
Should I relocate from Las Cruces to Los Alamos as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Las Cruces vs Los Alamos?
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