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

Geologist Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico

The median geologist salary in Las Cruces, NM is $73,638 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 5.4% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$73,638
vs State Avg
$-4,184
vs National
$-10,042
Cost of Living
88%

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

Las Cruces offers a median geologist salary of $73,638, which is $4,184 below the New Mexico state average of $77,822. Compared to the national median of $83,680, 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 $73,638 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Las Cruces an attractive option for geologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for geologists in Las Cruces spans from $44,880 at the 10th percentile to $130,240 at the 90th percentile — a $85,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,520, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $123,200. With a population of 111,385, Las Cruces is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Geologist Salary in Las Cruces by Experience

In Las Cruces, an entry-level geologist earns around $47,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,520
$-6,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,800
$-10,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,200
$-16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Las Cruces, NM

Percentile Las Cruces
10th Percentile $44,880
25th Percentile $55,440
Median (50th) $73,638
75th Percentile $98,560
90th Percentile $130,240

Geologist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$92,048
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$79,496
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$76,986
Pop. 104,046
Roswell, NM
$68,618
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Geologist in Las Cruces

Education

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

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, geologist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Las Cruces may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Geologist Jobs in Las Cruces

Browse open geologist positions in Las Cruces, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a Geologist make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
The median geologist salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico is $73,638 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $44,880 (10th percentile) to $130,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Las Cruces? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,638, a geologist in Las Cruces earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Las Cruces compare to the New Mexico state average for geologist pay? ▼
Las Cruces's median geologist salary of $73,638 is 5.4% below the New Mexico state average of $77,822. 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 geologist salary of $73,638 in Las Cruces has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Las Cruces? ▼
Most geologist positions in Las Cruces require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Field Geology, GIS, Rock Analysis, Stratigraphy. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.