Media & Communications Las Cruces, NM Pop. 111,385

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico

The median public relations specialist salary in Las Cruces, NM is $59,347 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 5.4% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$59,347
vs State Avg
$-3,372
vs National
$-8,093
Cost of Living
88%

Public Relations Specialist Pay in Las Cruces: What to Expect (2026)

Las Cruces offers a median public relations specialist salary of $59,347, which is $3,372 below the New Mexico state average of $62,719. Compared to the national median of $67,440, 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 $59,347 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $67,440 in an average-cost city. This makes Las Cruces an attractive option for public relations specialists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for public relations specialists in Las Cruces spans from $33,440 at the 10th percentile to $105,600 at the 90th percentile — a $72,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior public relations specialists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $98,560. With a population of 111,385, Las Cruces is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Las Cruces by Experience

In Las Cruces, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,560 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)
$61,600
$-8,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$98,560
$-13,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Las Cruces, NM

Percentile Las Cruces
10th Percentile $33,440
25th Percentile $44,000
Median (50th) $59,347
75th Percentile $80,080
90th Percentile $105,600

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$74,184
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$64,068
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$62,045
Pop. 104,046
Roswell, NM
$55,301
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Las Cruces

Education

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

Key Skills

Media RelationsPress ReleasesCrisis CommunicationsSocial MediaEvent PlanningBrand Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, public relations specialist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Las Cruces may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Public Relations Specialist Jobs in Las Cruces

Browse open public relations specialist positions in Las Cruces, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
The median public relations specialist salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico is $59,347 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $67,440. Salaries range from $33,440 (10th percentile) to $105,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make per hour in Las Cruces? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,347, a public relations specialist in Las Cruces earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Las Cruces compare to the New Mexico state average for public relations specialist pay? ▼
Las Cruces's median public relations specialist salary of $59,347 is 5.4% below the New Mexico state average of $62,719. 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 public relations specialist salary of $59,347 in Las Cruces has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a public relations specialist in Las Cruces? ▼
Most public relations specialist positions in Las Cruces require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Media Relations, Press Releases, Crisis Communications, Social Media. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.