Farmington vs Las Cruces: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Farmington, NM and Las Cruces, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Farmington, NM | Las Cruces, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,278 | $136,544▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.11 | $65.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $116,350▲ | $104,019 |
| 25th Percentile | $116,350 | $118,026▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $146,361 | $157,234▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $193,752▲ | $166,555 |
| Total Employed | 60 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Farmington.
The salary gap between Farmington and Las Cruces is $5,266 (4.01%). Las Cruces's median is -0.23% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Farmington spans $77,402,Las Cruces spans $62,536. Farmington 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 ($151,359 effective) pays 1.12% more than Farmington ($149,678 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Farmington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($193,752)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,544/year)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,359)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Farmington grew 19.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.6% growth in Las Cruces over the same period.
Farmington, NM
$106,680 (2019) → $126,900 (2025)
Las Cruces, NM
$118,260 (2019) → $131,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Farmington, NM
Las Cruces, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Farmington or Las Cruces?
What is the hourly rate difference between Farmington and Las Cruces?
Should I relocate from Farmington to Las Cruces as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Farmington vs Las Cruces?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov