Las Cruces vs Los Lunas: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Las Cruces, NM and Los Lunas, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Cruces, NM | Los Lunas, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $223,787▲ | $201,322 |
| Hourly Rate | $107.59▲ | $96.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $144,040 | $146,037▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $187,160▲ | $183,883 |
| 75th Percentile | $278,469▲ | $244,201 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $321,287▲ | $272,361 |
| Total Employed | 28▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Lunas.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and Los Lunas is $22,465 (11.16%). 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 Las Cruces spans $177,247,Los Lunas spans $126,324. Las Cruces has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Las Cruces ($237,062 effective) pays 11.16% more than Los Lunas ($213,265 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Los Lunas if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Las Cruces grew 6.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.4% growth in Los Lunas over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$199,935 (2024) → $212,725 (2025)
Los Lunas, NM
$179,864 (2024) → $191,371 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
Los Lunas, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Las Cruces or Los Lunas?
What is the hourly rate difference between Las Cruces and Los Lunas?
Should I relocate from Las Cruces to Los Lunas as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Las Cruces vs Los Lunas?
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