Nurse Anesthetist Salary in Las Cruces, NM: $223,787 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse anesthetist in Las Cruces, NM earns a median $223,787/year (≈ $107.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1151). Once you factor in Las Cruces's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $237,062 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% above the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the salary for nurse anesthetists in Las Cruces, New Mexico is projected to be an attractive $223,787. This amount positions local pay approximately 10.09% below the national median of $248,893, reflecting the unique dynamics of the regional healthcare market. Salaries within Las Cruces demonstrate a broad range, with the lower 10th percentile earning around $144,040 and the upper 90th percentile reaching as high as $321,287. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, providing a comprehensive view of nursing compensation in the area. With 28 nurse anesthetists currently employed here, the job market is stable, which presents consistent opportunities for qualified CRNAs to advance their careers.
About the Las Cruces Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($205,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $144,040 | $69.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $187,160 | $89.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $223,787 | $107.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $278,469 | $133.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $321,287 | $154.47 |
Median Salary Position
10.09% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Las Cruces
In Las Cruces, NM, the nurse anesthetist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $177,247 (2026 est.). At $223,787, the local median is 10.09% below the national median of $248,893.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Las Cruces: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Las Cruces Nurse Anesthetist Pay Compares
Las Cruces median: $223,787/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Las Cruces Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $216,638 | +3.30% more |
| National Average | $248,893 | -10.09% less |
Nurse Anesthetists in Las Cruces, NM earn a median of $223,787 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.09% lower than the national median of $248,893 and 3.30% above the New Mexico state average of $216,638.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Las Cruces has a cost of living 5.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Las Cruces, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A nurse anesthetist earning $223,787 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $237,062 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$157,159
2025 BLS Actual
$212,725
2026 Current Est.
$223,787
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Anesthetists in Las Cruces (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.20% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $157,159 | Actual |
| 2020 | $165,062 | Actual |
| 2021 | $175,879 | Actual |
| 2022 | $182,604 | Actual |
| 2023 | $191,200 | Actual |
| 2024 | $199,935 | Actual |
| 2025 | $212,725 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $223,787 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $235,424 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Las Cruces metropolitan area, the median nurse anesthetist salary grew 35.4% from $157,159 (2019) to $212,725 (2025). At a 5.20% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $235,424 by 2027 — a total increase of $78,265 (49.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Las Cruces metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.20% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $144,040 – $187,160 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $187,160 – $223,787 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $223,787 – $278,469 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $278,469 – $321,287 |
CRNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse anesthetist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Anesthetist Job Market in Las Cruces
In evaluating the nurse anesthetist pay in Las Cruces, NM, local job market strength is apparent, although the cost-of-living index, which stands at 94.4, suggests that salaries may stretch further than they might in higher-cost urban areas. The foremost employers are typically hospital systems, which offer competitive salaries but may come with higher demands around call coverage and work schedules. Other viable options include CRNA-owned anesthesia group practices and ambulatory surgery centers, which may provide more favorable profit distribution and work-life balance. The disparity in salaries can largely be attributed to factors such as weekend and holiday differentials, varying call coverage responsibilities, and the tax implications tied to W-2 versus 1099 employment. Understanding these market drivers, aspiring nurse anesthetists can better negotiate their pay packages or seek out opportunities that maximize their compensation while maintaining a sustainable work schedule in Las Cruces.
More salary data for Las Cruces, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $212,725 for nurse anesthetistsin the Las Cruces metropolitan area. A 5.20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Las Cruces is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.20%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse anesthetists (SOC 29-1151).
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov