Science & Research Las Cruces, NM Pop. 111,385

Chemist Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico

The median chemist salary in Las Cruces, NM is $72,855 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 5.4% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$72,855
vs State Avg
$-4,140
vs National
$-9,935
Cost of Living
88%

Chemist Pay in Las Cruces: What to Expect (2026)

Las Cruces offers a median chemist salary of $72,855, which is $4,140 below the New Mexico state average of $76,995. Compared to the national median of $82,790, 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 $72,855 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Las Cruces an attractive option for chemists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemists in Las Cruces spans from $42,240 at the 10th percentile to $124,960 at the 90th percentile — a $82,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $118,800. With a population of 111,385, Las Cruces is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemist Salary in Las Cruces by Experience

In Las Cruces, an entry-level chemist earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,920
$-10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$118,800
$-16,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Las Cruces, NM

Percentile Las Cruces
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $54,560
Median (50th) $72,855
75th Percentile $95,920
90th Percentile $124,960

Chemist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$91,069
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$78,651
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$76,167
Pop. 104,046
Roswell, NM
$67,888
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Chemist in Las Cruces

Education

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

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Las Cruces may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemist Jobs in Las Cruces

Browse open chemist positions in Las Cruces, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a Chemist make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
The median chemist salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico is $72,855 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $124,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Las Cruces? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,855, a chemist in Las Cruces earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Las Cruces compare to the New Mexico state average for chemist pay? ▼
Las Cruces's median chemist salary of $72,855 is 5.4% below the New Mexico state average of $76,995. 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 chemist salary of $72,855 in Las Cruces has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Las Cruces? ▼
Most chemist positions in Las Cruces require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Analytical Chemistry, Lab Techniques, Spectroscopy, HPLC. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.