Public Service Las Cruces, NM Pop. 111,385

Police Officer Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico

The median police officer salary in Las Cruces, NM is $57,895 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 5.4% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$57,895
vs State Avg
$-3,290
vs National
$-7,895
Cost of Living
88%

Police Officer Pay in Las Cruces: What to Expect (2026)

Las Cruces offers a median police officer salary of $57,895, which is $3,290 below the New Mexico state average of $61,185. Compared to the national median of $65,790, 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 $57,895 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $65,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Las Cruces an attractive option for police officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for police officers in Las Cruces spans from $35,552 at the 10th percentile to $93,280 at the 90th percentile — a $57,728 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,240. With a population of 111,385, Las Cruces is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Police Officer Salary in Las Cruces by Experience

In Las Cruces, an entry-level police officer earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,960
$-5,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,080
$-7,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,240
$-11,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Las Cruces, NM

Percentile Las Cruces
10th Percentile $35,552
25th Percentile $45,056
Median (50th) $57,895
75th Percentile $76,736
90th Percentile $93,280

Police Officer Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$72,369
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$62,501
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$60,527
Pop. 104,046
Roswell, NM
$53,948
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Police Officer in Las Cruces

Education

Most police officer positions require a high school diploma. Las Cruces and the surrounding New Mexico area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Law EnforcementEmergency ResponseReport WritingDe-escalationPhysical FitnessCommunity Policing

Job Outlook

Nationally, police officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Las Cruces may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Police Officer Jobs in Las Cruces

Browse open police officer positions in Las Cruces, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a Police Officer make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
The median police officer salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico is $57,895 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $35,552 (10th percentile) to $93,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Las Cruces? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,895, a police officer in Las Cruces earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Las Cruces compare to the New Mexico state average for police officer pay? ▼
Las Cruces's median police officer salary of $57,895 is 5.4% below the New Mexico state average of $61,185. 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 police officer salary of $57,895 in Las Cruces has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in Las Cruces? ▼
Most police officer positions in Las Cruces require a high school diploma. Key skills include Law Enforcement, Emergency Response, Report Writing, De-escalation. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.