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

Physicist Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico

The median physicist salary in Las Cruces, NM is $134,138 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 5.4% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$134,138
vs State Avg
$-7,622
vs National
$-18,292
Cost of Living
88%

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

Las Cruces offers a median physicist salary of $134,138, which is $7,622 below the New Mexico state average of $141,760. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 $134,138 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Las Cruces an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physicists in Las Cruces spans from $68,640 at the 10th percentile to $209,440 at the 90th percentile — a $140,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,160, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $193,600. With a population of 111,385, Las Cruces is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Las Cruces by Experience

In Las Cruces, an entry-level physicist earns around $72,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$136,400
$-18,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$193,600
$-26,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Las Cruces, NM

Percentile Las Cruces
10th Percentile $68,640
25th Percentile $95,040
Median (50th) $134,138
75th Percentile $171,600
90th Percentile $209,440

Physicist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$167,673
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$144,809
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$140,236
Pop. 104,046
Roswell, NM
$124,993
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Physicist in Las Cruces

Education

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

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Las Cruces may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in Las Cruces

Browse open physicist positions in Las Cruces, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a Physicist make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
The median physicist salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico is $134,138 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $68,640 (10th percentile) to $209,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Las Cruces? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $134,138, a physicist in Las Cruces earns approximately $64 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Las Cruces compare to the New Mexico state average for physicist pay? ▼
Las Cruces's median physicist salary of $134,138 is 5.4% below the New Mexico state average of $141,760. 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 physicist salary of $134,138 in Las Cruces has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Las Cruces? ▼
Most physicist positions in Las Cruces require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Mathematical Modeling, Experimental Physics, Python/MATLAB, Data Analysis. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.