Business & Finance Las Cruces, NM Pop. 111,385

Economist Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico

The median economist salary in Las Cruces, NM is $100,267 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 5.4% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$100,267
vs State Avg
$-5,697
vs National
$-13,673
Cost of Living
88%

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

Las Cruces offers a median economist salary of $100,267, which is $5,697 below the New Mexico state average of $105,964. Compared to the national median of $113,940, 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 $100,267 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $113,940 in an average-cost city. This makes Las Cruces an attractive option for economists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for economists in Las Cruces spans from $54,560 at the 10th percentile to $174,240 at the 90th percentile — a $119,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,200, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $162,800. With a population of 111,385, Las Cruces is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Las Cruces by Experience

In Las Cruces, an entry-level economist earns around $57,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $162,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,200
$-7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$101,200
$-13,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$162,800
$-22,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Las Cruces, NM

Percentile Las Cruces
10th Percentile $54,560
25th Percentile $72,160
Median (50th) $100,267
75th Percentile $136,400
90th Percentile $174,240

Economist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$125,334
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$108,243
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$104,825
Pop. 104,046
Roswell, NM
$93,431
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Economist in Las Cruces

Education

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

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Las Cruces may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Economist Jobs in Las Cruces

Browse open economist positions in Las Cruces, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a Economist make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
The median economist salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico is $100,267 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $54,560 (10th percentile) to $174,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Las Cruces? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $100,267, a economist in Las Cruces earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Las Cruces compare to the New Mexico state average for economist pay? ▼
Las Cruces's median economist salary of $100,267 is 5.4% below the New Mexico state average of $105,964. 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 economist salary of $100,267 in Las Cruces has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Las Cruces? ▼
Most economist positions in Las Cruces require a master's degree. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Analysis, R/Python, Economic Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.