Public Service Las Cruces, NM Pop. 111,385

Firefighter Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico

The median firefighter salary in Las Cruces, NM is $45,478 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 5.4% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$45,478
vs State Avg
$-2,584
vs National
$-6,202
Cost of Living
88%

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

Las Cruces offers a median firefighter salary of $45,478, which is $2,584 below the New Mexico state average of $48,062. Compared to the national median of $51,680, 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 $45,478 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Las Cruces an attractive option for firefighters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for firefighters in Las Cruces spans from $26,048 at the 10th percentile to $81,664 at the 90th percentile — a $55,616 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,160, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,160. With a population of 111,385, Las Cruces is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Firefighter Salary in Las Cruces by Experience

In Las Cruces, an entry-level firefighter earns around $28,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Las Cruces, NM

Percentile Las Cruces
10th Percentile $26,048
25th Percentile $33,968
Median (50th) $45,478
75th Percentile $62,656
90th Percentile $81,664

Firefighter Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$56,848
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$49,096
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$47,546
Pop. 104,046
Roswell, NM
$42,378
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Firefighter in Las Cruces

Education

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

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook

Nationally, firefighter 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 Firefighter Jobs in Las Cruces

Browse open firefighter positions in Las Cruces, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a Firefighter make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico is $45,478 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $26,048 (10th percentile) to $81,664 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Las Cruces? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,478, a firefighter in Las Cruces earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Las Cruces compare to the New Mexico state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Las Cruces's median firefighter salary of $45,478 is 5.4% below the New Mexico state average of $48,062. 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 firefighter salary of $45,478 in Las Cruces has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Las Cruces? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Las Cruces require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.