Personal Care & Fitness Las Cruces, NM Pop. 111,385

Cosmetologist Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico

The median cosmetologist salary in Las Cruces, NM is $30,870 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 5.4% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$30,870
vs State Avg
$-1,754
vs National
$-4,210
Cost of Living
88%

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

Las Cruces offers a median cosmetologist salary of $30,870, which is $1,754 below the New Mexico state average of $32,624. Compared to the national median of $35,080, 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 $30,870 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,080 in an average-cost city. This makes Las Cruces an attractive option for cosmetologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Las Cruces spans from $19,360 at the 10th percentile to $51,040 at the 90th percentile — a $31,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $21,120, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $48,400. With a population of 111,385, Las Cruces is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Las Cruces by Experience

In Las Cruces, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $21,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $48,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$21,120
$-2,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$31,680
$-4,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$48,400
$-6,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Las Cruces, NM

Percentile Las Cruces
10th Percentile $19,360
25th Percentile $23,760
Median (50th) $30,870
75th Percentile $40,480
90th Percentile $51,040

Cosmetologist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$38,588
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$33,326
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$32,274
Pop. 104,046
Roswell, NM
$28,766
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Las Cruces

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Las Cruces and the surrounding New Mexico area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook

Nationally, cosmetologist 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 Cosmetologist Jobs in Las Cruces

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Las Cruces, NM:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico is $30,870 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $19,360 (10th percentile) to $51,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Las Cruces? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $30,870, a cosmetologist in Las Cruces earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Las Cruces compare to the New Mexico state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Las Cruces's median cosmetologist salary of $30,870 is 5.4% below the New Mexico state average of $32,624. 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 cosmetologist salary of $30,870 in Las Cruces has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Las Cruces? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Las Cruces require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Hair Styling, Color Theory, Skincare, Makeup Application. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.