Agriculture & Environment Las Cruces, NM Pop. 111,385

Park Ranger Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico

The median park ranger salary in Las Cruces, NM is $37,400 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 5.4% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$37,400
vs State Avg
$-2,125
vs National
$-5,100
Cost of Living
88%

Park Ranger Pay in Las Cruces: What to Expect (2026)

Las Cruces offers a median park ranger salary of $37,400, which is $2,125 below the New Mexico state average of $39,525. Compared to the national median of $42,500, 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 $37,400 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $42,500 in an average-cost city. This makes Las Cruces an attractive option for park rangers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for park rangers in Las Cruces spans from $24,640 at the 10th percentile to $63,360 at the 90th percentile — a $38,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,400, while senior park rangers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $59,840. With a population of 111,385, Las Cruces is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Park Ranger Salary in Las Cruces by Experience

In Las Cruces, an entry-level park ranger earns around $26,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,400
$-3,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$38,720
$-5,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$59,840
$-8,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Las Cruces, NM

Percentile Las Cruces
10th Percentile $24,640
25th Percentile $29,920
Median (50th) $37,400
75th Percentile $51,040
90th Percentile $63,360

Park Ranger Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$46,750
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$40,375
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$39,100
Pop. 104,046
Roswell, NM
$34,850
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Park Ranger in Las Cruces

Education

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

Key Skills

ConservationLaw EnforcementPublic EducationWildlife ManagementEmergency ResponseOutdoor Skills

Job Outlook

Nationally, park ranger 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 Park Ranger Jobs in Las Cruces

Browse open park ranger positions in Las Cruces, NM:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Park Ranger Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a Park Ranger make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
The median park ranger salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico is $37,400 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $42,500. Salaries range from $24,640 (10th percentile) to $63,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Park Ranger make per hour in Las Cruces? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $37,400, a park ranger in Las Cruces earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Las Cruces compare to the New Mexico state average for park ranger pay? ▼
Las Cruces's median park ranger salary of $37,400 is 5.4% below the New Mexico state average of $39,525. 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 park ranger salary of $37,400 in Las Cruces has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a park ranger in Las Cruces? ▼
Most park ranger positions in Las Cruces require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Conservation, Law Enforcement, Public Education, Wildlife Management. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.