Healthcare Las Cruces, NM Pop. 111,385

Optometrist Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico

The median optometrist salary in Las Cruces, NM is $108,007 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 5.5% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$108,007
vs State Avg
$-6,280
vs National
$-17,583
Cost of Living
88%

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

Las Cruces offers a median optometrist salary of $108,007, which is $6,280 below the New Mexico state average of $114,287. Compared to the national median of $125,590, 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 $108,007 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $122,735 in an average-cost city. This makes Las Cruces an attractive option for optometrists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for optometrists in Las Cruces spans from $67,080 at the 10th percentile to $165,120 at the 90th percentile — a $98,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,520, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $153,080. With a population of 111,385, Las Cruces is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Optometrist Salary in Las Cruces by Experience

In Las Cruces, an entry-level optometrist earns around $70,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $153,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,520
$-11,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$110,080
$-17,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$153,080
$-24,920 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Las Cruces, NM

Percentile Las Cruces
10th Percentile $67,080
25th Percentile $86,000
Median (50th) $108,007
75th Percentile $135,880
90th Percentile $165,120

Optometrist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$135,637
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$116,799
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$113,031
Pop. 104,046
Roswell, NM
$100,472
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Optometrist in Las Cruces

Education

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

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Las Cruces may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Las Cruces

Browse open optometrist positions in Las Cruces, NM:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a Optometrist make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico is $108,007 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $67,080 (10th percentile) to $165,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Las Cruces? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $108,007, a optometrist in Las Cruces earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Las Cruces compare to the New Mexico state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Las Cruces's median optometrist salary of $108,007 is 5.5% below the New Mexico state average of $114,287. 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 optometrist salary of $108,007 in Las Cruces has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Las Cruces? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Las Cruces require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Eye Examination, Refraction, Contact Lens Fitting, Ocular Disease. The job market is projected to grow 9% nationally over the next decade.