Hospitality & Tourism Las Cruces, NM Pop. 111,385

Restaurant Manager Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico

The median restaurant manager salary in Las Cruces, NM is $54,560 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 5.4% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$54,560
vs State Avg
$-3,100
vs National
$-7,440
Cost of Living
88%

Restaurant Manager Pay in Las Cruces: What to Expect (2026)

Las Cruces offers a median restaurant manager salary of $54,560, which is $3,100 below the New Mexico state average of $57,660. Compared to the national median of $62,000, 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 $54,560 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Las Cruces an attractive option for restaurant managers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for restaurant managers in Las Cruces spans from $33,440 at the 10th percentile to $86,240 at the 90th percentile — a $52,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,200, while senior restaurant managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,960. With a population of 111,385, Las Cruces is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Restaurant Manager Salary in Las Cruces by Experience

In Las Cruces, an entry-level restaurant manager earns around $35,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,200
$-4,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,320
$-7,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,960
$-11,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Las Cruces, NM

Percentile Las Cruces
10th Percentile $33,440
25th Percentile $42,240
Median (50th) $54,560
75th Percentile $70,400
90th Percentile $86,240

Restaurant Manager Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$68,200
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$58,900
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$57,040
Pop. 104,046
Roswell, NM
$50,840
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Restaurant Manager in Las Cruces

Education

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

Key Skills

Food Service ManagementStaff SupervisionCost ControlCustomer ServiceHealth & SafetyPOS Systems

Job Outlook

Nationally, restaurant manager employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Las Cruces may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Restaurant Manager Jobs in Las Cruces

Browse open restaurant manager positions in Las Cruces, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Restaurant Manager Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a Restaurant Manager make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
The median restaurant manager salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico is $54,560 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $33,440 (10th percentile) to $86,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Restaurant Manager make per hour in Las Cruces? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,560, a restaurant manager in Las Cruces earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Las Cruces compare to the New Mexico state average for restaurant manager pay? ▼
Las Cruces's median restaurant manager salary of $54,560 is 5.4% below the New Mexico state average of $57,660. 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 restaurant manager salary of $54,560 in Las Cruces has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a restaurant manager in Las Cruces? ▼
Most restaurant manager positions in Las Cruces require a high school diploma. Key skills include Food Service Management, Staff Supervision, Cost Control, Customer Service. The job market is projected to grow 10% nationally over the next decade.