Healthcare Las Cruces, NM Pop. 111,385

Registered Nurse Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico

The median registered nurse salary in Las Cruces, NM is $69,849 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 5.5% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$69,849
vs State Avg
$-4,061
vs National
$-11,371
Cost of Living
88%

Registered Nurse Pay in Las Cruces: What to Expect (2026)

Las Cruces offers a median registered nurse salary of $69,849, which is $4,061 below the New Mexico state average of $73,910. Compared to the national median of $81,220, 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 $69,849 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $79,374 in an average-cost city. This makes Las Cruces an attractive option for registered nurses seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for registered nurses in Las Cruces spans from $49,364 at the 10th percentile to $103,888 at the 90th percentile — a $54,524 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,880, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $98,900. With a population of 111,385, Las Cruces is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Las Cruces by Experience

In Las Cruces, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $49,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,880
$-8,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,520
$-11,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$98,900
$-16,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Las Cruces, NM

Percentile Las Cruces
10th Percentile $49,364
25th Percentile $57,448
Median (50th) $69,849
75th Percentile $86,946
90th Percentile $103,888

Registered Nurse Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$87,718
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$75,535
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$73,098
Pop. 104,046
Roswell, NM
$64,976
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Las Cruces

Education

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

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse 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 Registered Nurse Jobs in Las Cruces

Browse open registered nurse positions in Las Cruces, NM:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico is $69,849 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $49,364 (10th percentile) to $103,888 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Las Cruces? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,849, a registered nurse in Las Cruces earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Las Cruces compare to the New Mexico state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Las Cruces's median registered nurse salary of $69,849 is 5.5% below the New Mexico state average of $73,910. 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 registered nurse salary of $69,849 in Las Cruces has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Las Cruces? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Las Cruces require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.