Las Cruces vs Taos: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Las Cruces, NM and Taos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Cruces, NM | Taos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,904▲ | $89,877 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.23▲ | $43.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,525 | $65,223▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $69,758 | $73,448▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $112,175▲ | $111,613 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,699▲ | $135,402 |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Taos.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and Taos is $27 (0.03%). Las Cruces's median is -13.13% 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,Taos spans $70,179. 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 4.67% more than Taos ($95,209 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 ($89,904/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,699)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,659)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Taos if…
- ✓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 Taos over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$73,830 (2019) → $87,600 (2025)
Taos, NM
$79,897 (2024) → $87,574 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
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