Creative & Education Las Cruces, NM Pop. 111,385

College Professor Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico

The median college professor salary in Las Cruces, NM is $73,814 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 5.4% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$73,814
vs State Avg
$-4,194
vs National
$-10,066
Cost of Living
88%

College Professor Pay in Las Cruces: What to Expect (2026)

Las Cruces offers a median college professor salary of $73,814, which is $4,194 below the New Mexico state average of $78,008. Compared to the national median of $83,880, 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 $73,814 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,880 in an average-cost city. This makes Las Cruces an attractive option for college professors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for college professors in Las Cruces spans from $39,600 at the 10th percentile to $147,840 at the 90th percentile — a $108,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,240, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $140,800. With a population of 111,385, Las Cruces is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

College Professor Salary in Las Cruces by Experience

In Las Cruces, an entry-level college professor earns around $42,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $140,800 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)
$75,680
$-10,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$140,800
$-19,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Las Cruces, NM

Percentile Las Cruces
10th Percentile $39,600
25th Percentile $52,800
Median (50th) $73,814
75th Percentile $105,600
90th Percentile $147,840

College Professor Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$92,268
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$79,686
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$77,170
Pop. 104,046
Roswell, NM
$68,782
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a College Professor in Las Cruces

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Las Cruces and the surrounding New Mexico area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, college professor 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 College Professor Jobs in Las Cruces

Browse open college professor positions in Las Cruces, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a College Professor make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
The median college professor salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico is $73,814 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $39,600 (10th percentile) to $147,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Las Cruces? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,814, a college professor 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 college professor pay? ▼
Las Cruces's median college professor salary of $73,814 is 5.4% below the New Mexico state average of $78,008. 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 college professor salary of $73,814 in Las Cruces has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Las Cruces? ▼
Most college professor positions in Las Cruces require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Teaching, Research, Publishing, Curriculum Design. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.