Carlsbad vs Las Cruces: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Carlsbad, NM and Las Cruces, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carlsbad, NM | Las Cruces, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $205,377 | $223,787▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $98.74 | $107.59▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $139,681 | $144,040▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $181,839 | $187,160▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $250,324 | $278,469▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $282,219 | $321,287▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 28▲ |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carlsbad.
The salary gap between Carlsbad and Las Cruces is $18,410 (8.96%). Las Cruces's median is -10.09% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carlsbad spans $142,538,Las Cruces spans $177,247. Las Cruces has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Las Cruces ($237,062 effective) pays 8.96% more than Carlsbad ($217,560 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carlsbad if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($223,787/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($321,287)
- ✓Larger job market (28 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $237,062)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Carlsbad grew 6.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.4% growth in Las Cruces over the same period.
Carlsbad, NM
$183,487 (2024) → $195,225 (2025)
Las Cruces, NM
$199,935 (2024) → $212,725 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carlsbad, NM
Las Cruces, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Carlsbad or Las Cruces?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carlsbad and Las Cruces?
Should I relocate from Carlsbad to Las Cruces as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Carlsbad vs Las Cruces?
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov