Construction & Real Estate Las Cruces, NM Pop. 111,385

Urban Planner Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico

The median urban planner salary in Las Cruces, NM is $69,995 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 5.4% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$69,995
vs State Avg
$-3,977
vs National
$-9,545
Cost of Living
88%

Urban Planner Pay in Las Cruces: What to Expect (2026)

Las Cruces offers a median urban planner salary of $69,995, which is $3,977 below the New Mexico state average of $73,972. Compared to the national median of $79,540, 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 $69,995 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $79,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Las Cruces an attractive option for urban planners seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for urban planners in Las Cruces spans from $44,000 at the 10th percentile to $107,360 at the 90th percentile — a $63,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,760, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,840. With a population of 111,385, Las Cruces is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Urban Planner Salary in Las Cruces by Experience

In Las Cruces, an entry-level urban planner earns around $45,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,280
$-9,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,840
$-14,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Las Cruces, NM

Percentile Las Cruces
10th Percentile $44,000
25th Percentile $55,440
Median (50th) $69,995
75th Percentile $88,000
90th Percentile $107,360

Urban Planner Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$87,494
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$75,563
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$73,177
Pop. 104,046
Roswell, NM
$65,223
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Urban Planner in Las Cruces

Education

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

Key Skills

Urban PlanningGISZoning LawCommunity EngagementData AnalysisAutoCAD

Job Outlook

Nationally, urban planner employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Las Cruces may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Urban Planner Jobs in Las Cruces

Browse open urban planner positions in Las Cruces, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a Urban Planner make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico is $69,995 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $44,000 (10th percentile) to $107,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Las Cruces? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,995, a urban planner 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 urban planner pay? ▼
Las Cruces's median urban planner salary of $69,995 is 5.4% below the New Mexico state average of $73,972. 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 urban planner salary of $69,995 in Las Cruces has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Las Cruces? ▼
Most urban planner positions in Las Cruces require a master's degree. Key skills include Urban Planning, GIS, Zoning Law, Community Engagement. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.