Las Cruces vs South Valley: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Las Cruces, NM and South Valley, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Cruces, NM | South Valley, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $223,787▲ | $209,764 |
| Hourly Rate | $107.59▲ | $100.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $144,040▲ | $133,475 |
| 25th Percentile | $187,160 | $191,060▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $278,469▲ | $261,165 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $321,287▲ | $296,223 |
| Total Employed | 28▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Valley.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and South Valley is $14,023 (6.69%). 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,South Valley spans $162,748. 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 6.69% more than South Valley ($222,208 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 South Valley 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 South Valley over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$199,935 (2024) → $212,725 (2025)
South Valley, NM
$187,407 (2024) → $199,395 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
South Valley, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Las Cruces or South Valley?
What is the hourly rate difference between Las Cruces and South Valley?
Should I relocate from Las Cruces to South Valley as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Las Cruces vs South Valley?
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