School Counselor Salary in Las Cruces, NM: $52,923 (2026)

School Counselor Pay in Las Cruces: What to Expect (2026)

Las Cruces offers a median school counselor salary of $52,923, which is $3,007 below the New Mexico state average of $55,930. Compared to the national median of $60,140, 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 $52,923 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,140 in an average-cost city. This makes Las Cruces an attractive option for school counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for school counselors in Las Cruces spans from $33,616 at the 10th percentile to $83,424 at the 90th percentile — a $49,808 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,200, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $74,800. With a population of 111,385, Las Cruces is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

School Counselor Salary in Las Cruces by Experience

In Las Cruces, an entry-level school counselor earns around $35,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,800 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)

$52,800

$-7,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$74,800

$-10,200 vs national

Percentile	Las Cruces	NM State	National
10th Percentile	$33,616	$35,526	$38,200
25th Percentile	$41,360	$43,710	$47,000
Median (50th)	$52,923	$55,930	$60,140
75th Percentile	$67,056	$70,866	$76,200
90th Percentile	$83,424	$88,164	$94,800

Percentile

Las Cruces

10th Percentile

$33,616

25th Percentile

$41,360

Median (50th)

$52,923

75th Percentile

$67,056

90th Percentile

$83,424

How to Become a School Counselor in Las Cruces

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. Las Cruces and the surrounding New Mexico area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CounselingCollege PlanningCrisis InterventionGroup FacilitationActive ListeningStudent Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Las Cruces may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a School Counselor make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼

The median school counselor salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico is $52,923 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $33,616 (10th percentile) to $83,424 (90th percentile).

How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Las Cruces? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $52,923, a school counselor in Las Cruces earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Las Cruces compare to the New Mexico state average for school counselor pay? ▼

Las Cruces's median school counselor salary of $52,923 is 5.4% below the New Mexico state average of $55,930. 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 school counselor salary of $52,923 in Las Cruces has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Las Cruces? ▼

Most school counselor positions in Las Cruces require a master's degree. Key skills include Counseling, College Planning, Crisis Intervention, Group Facilitation. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

School Counselor Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico