Agriculture & Environment Las Cruces, NM Pop. 111,385

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico

The median agricultural scientist salary in Las Cruces, NM is $65,261 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 5.4% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$65,261
vs State Avg
$-3,708
vs National
$-8,899
Cost of Living
88%

Agricultural Scientist Pay in Las Cruces: What to Expect (2026)

Las Cruces offers a median agricultural scientist salary of $65,261, which is $3,708 below the New Mexico state average of $68,969. Compared to the national median of $74,160, Las Cruces pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Las Cruces's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $65,261 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $74,160 in an average-cost city. This makes Las Cruces an attractive option for agricultural scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for agricultural scientists in Las Cruces spans from $38,720 at the 10th percentile to $107,360 at the 90th percentile — a $68,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,240, while senior agricultural scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $101,200. With a population of 111,385, Las Cruces is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Las Cruces by Experience

In Las Cruces, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $42,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $101,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,240
$-5,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,880
$-9,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$101,200
$-13,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Las Cruces, NM

Percentile Las Cruces
10th Percentile $38,720
25th Percentile $49,280
Median (50th) $65,261
75th Percentile $86,240
90th Percentile $107,360

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$81,576
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$70,452
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$68,227
Pop. 104,046
Roswell, NM
$60,811
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in Las Cruces

Education

Most agricultural scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Las Cruces and the surrounding New Mexico area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AgronomyResearch MethodsData AnalysisSoil ScienceGeneticsScientific Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, agricultural scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Las Cruces may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Agricultural Scientist Jobs in Las Cruces

Browse open agricultural scientist positions in Las Cruces, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico is $65,261 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $38,720 (10th percentile) to $107,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in Las Cruces? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,261, a agricultural scientist in Las Cruces earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Las Cruces compare to the New Mexico state average for agricultural scientist pay? ▼
Las Cruces's median agricultural scientist salary of $65,261 is 5.4% below the New Mexico state average of $68,969. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
Las Cruces has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a agricultural scientist salary of $65,261 in Las Cruces has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a agricultural scientist in Las Cruces? ▼
Most agricultural scientist positions in Las Cruces require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Agronomy, Research Methods, Data Analysis, Soil Science. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.