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

Environmental Scientist Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico

The median environmental scientist salary in Las Cruces, NM is $67,346 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 5.4% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$67,346
vs State Avg
$-3,827
vs National
$-9,184
Cost of Living
88%

Environmental Scientist Pay in Las Cruces: What to Expect (2026)

Las Cruces offers a median environmental scientist salary of $67,346, which is $3,827 below the New Mexico state average of $71,173. Compared to the national median of $76,530, 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 $67,346 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $76,530 in an average-cost city. This makes Las Cruces an attractive option for environmental scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for environmental scientists in Las Cruces spans from $42,240 at the 10th percentile to $110,880 at the 90th percentile — a $68,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,600. With a population of 111,385, Las Cruces is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Las Cruces by Experience

In Las Cruces, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,600 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)
$68,640
$-9,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,600
$-14,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Las Cruces, NM

Percentile Las Cruces
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $51,920
Median (50th) $67,346
75th Percentile $87,120
90th Percentile $110,880

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$84,183
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$72,704
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$70,408
Pop. 104,046
Roswell, NM
$62,755
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Las Cruces

Education

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

Key Skills

Environmental SamplingGISData AnalysisEnvironmental LawReport WritingField Research

Job Outlook

Nationally, environmental scientist 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 Environmental Scientist Jobs in Las Cruces

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Las Cruces, NM:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico is $67,346 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $110,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Las Cruces? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,346, a environmental scientist in Las Cruces earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Las Cruces compare to the New Mexico state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Las Cruces's median environmental scientist salary of $67,346 is 5.4% below the New Mexico state average of $71,173. 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 environmental scientist salary of $67,346 in Las Cruces has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Las Cruces? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Las Cruces require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Environmental Sampling, GIS, Data Analysis, Environmental Law. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.