Respiratory Therapist Salary in Las Cruces, NM: $60,664 (2026)

Respiratory Therapist Pay in Las Cruces: What to Expect (2026)

Las Cruces offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $60,664, which is $3,527 below the New Mexico state average of $64,191. Compared to the national median of $70,540, 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 $60,664 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $68,936 in an average-cost city. This makes Las Cruces an attractive option for respiratory therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Las Cruces spans from $41,280 at the 10th percentile to $85,140 at the 90th percentile — a $43,860 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,700. With a population of 111,385, Las Cruces is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Las Cruces by Experience

In Las Cruces, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $43,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$43,000

$-7,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$61,920

$-10,080 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$81,700

$-13,300 vs national

Percentile	Las Cruces	NM State	National
10th Percentile	$41,280	$43,680	$48,000
25th Percentile	$49,020	$51,870	$57,000
Median (50th)	$60,664	$64,191	$70,540
75th Percentile	$73,960	$78,260	$86,000
90th Percentile	$85,140	$90,090	$99,000

Percentile

Las Cruces

10th Percentile

$41,280

25th Percentile

$49,020

Median (50th)

$60,664

75th Percentile

$73,960

90th Percentile

$85,140

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Las Cruces

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Las Cruces and the surrounding New Mexico area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Las Cruces may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼

The median respiratory therapist salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico is $60,664 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $41,280 (10th percentile) to $85,140 (90th percentile).

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Las Cruces? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $60,664, a respiratory therapist 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 respiratory therapist pay? ▼

Las Cruces's median respiratory therapist salary of $60,664 is 5.5% below the New Mexico state average of $64,191. 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 respiratory therapist salary of $60,664 in Las Cruces has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Las Cruces? ▼

Most respiratory therapist positions in Las Cruces require a associate's degree. Key skills include Ventilator Management, Pulmonary Function Testing, ABG Analysis, Oxygen Therapy. The job market is projected to grow 14% nationally over the next decade.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico