Engineering Las Cruces, NM Pop. 111,385

Chemical Engineer Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico

The median chemical engineer salary in Las Cruces, NM is $93,509 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 5.4% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$93,509
vs State Avg
$-5,313
vs National
$-12,751
Cost of Living
88%

Chemical Engineer Pay in Las Cruces: What to Expect (2026)

Las Cruces offers a median chemical engineer salary of $93,509, which is $5,313 below the New Mexico state average of $98,822. Compared to the national median of $106,260, 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 $93,509 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $106,260 in an average-cost city. This makes Las Cruces an attractive option for chemical engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemical engineers in Las Cruces spans from $59,840 at the 10th percentile to $151,360 at the 90th percentile — a $91,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,600, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $142,560. With a population of 111,385, Las Cruces is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Las Cruces by Experience

In Las Cruces, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $61,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $142,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,600
$-8,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$95,040
$-12,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$142,560
$-19,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Las Cruces, NM

Percentile Las Cruces
10th Percentile $59,840
25th Percentile $73,920
Median (50th) $93,509
75th Percentile $121,440
90th Percentile $151,360

Chemical Engineer Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$116,886
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$100,947
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$97,759
Pop. 104,046
Roswell, NM
$87,133
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Las Cruces

Education

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

Key Skills

Process EngineeringChemical ProcessesASPENSafety EngineeringQuality ControlThermodynamics

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemical engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Las Cruces may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Las Cruces

Browse open chemical engineer positions in Las Cruces, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico is $93,509 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $59,840 (10th percentile) to $151,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Las Cruces? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $93,509, a chemical engineer in Las Cruces earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Las Cruces compare to the New Mexico state average for chemical engineer pay? ▼
Las Cruces's median chemical engineer salary of $93,509 is 5.4% below the New Mexico state average of $98,822. 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 chemical engineer salary of $93,509 in Las Cruces has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer in Las Cruces? ▼
Most chemical engineer positions in Las Cruces require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Process Engineering, Chemical Processes, ASPEN, Safety Engineering. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.