Healthcare Las Cruces, NM Pop. 111,385

Dentist Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico

The median dentist salary in Las Cruces, NM is $137,918 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 5.5% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$137,918
vs State Avg
$-8,019
vs National
$-22,452
Cost of Living
88%

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

Las Cruces offers a median dentist salary of $137,918, which is $8,019 below the New Mexico state average of $145,937. Compared to the national median of $160,370, 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 $137,918 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $156,725 in an average-cost city. This makes Las Cruces an attractive option for dentists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dentists in Las Cruces spans from $68,800 at the 10th percentile to $216,720 at the 90th percentile — a $147,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,100, while senior dentists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $202,100. With a population of 111,385, Las Cruces is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dentist Salary in Las Cruces by Experience

In Las Cruces, an entry-level dentist earns around $73,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $202,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,100
$-11,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$139,320
$-22,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$202,100
$-32,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Las Cruces, NM

Percentile Las Cruces
10th Percentile $68,800
25th Percentile $98,900
Median (50th) $137,918
75th Percentile $178,880
90th Percentile $216,720

Dentist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$173,200
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$149,144
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$144,333
Pop. 104,046
Roswell, NM
$128,296
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Dentist in Las Cruces

Education

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

Key Skills

Dental ProceduresRadiographyPatient ManagementOral SurgeryProsthodonticsAnesthesia

Job Outlook

Nationally, dentist employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Las Cruces may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dentist Jobs in Las Cruces

Browse open dentist positions in Las Cruces, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a Dentist make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
The median dentist salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico is $137,918 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $68,800 (10th percentile) to $216,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in Las Cruces? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $137,918, a dentist in Las Cruces earns approximately $66 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Las Cruces compare to the New Mexico state average for dentist pay? ▼
Las Cruces's median dentist salary of $137,918 is 5.5% below the New Mexico state average of $145,937. 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 dentist salary of $137,918 in Las Cruces has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dentist in Las Cruces? ▼
Most dentist positions in Las Cruces require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Dental Procedures, Radiography, Patient Management, Oral Surgery. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.