Las Cruces vs South Valley: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner 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 | $136,544▲ | $125,119 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.65▲ | $60.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,019▲ | $93,775 |
| 25th Percentile | $118,026▲ | $116,255 |
| 75th Percentile | $157,234▲ | $148,421 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,555▲ | $162,538 |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Valley.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and South Valley is $11,425 (9.13%). 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 Las Cruces spans $62,536,South Valley spans $68,763. South Valley has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Las Cruces ($151,359 effective) pays 14.20% more than South Valley ($132,541 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 ($136,544/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,555)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,359)
- ✓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 practitioner salaries in Las Cruces grew 11.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.0% growth in South Valley over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$118,260 (2019) → $131,990 (2025)
South Valley, NM
$123,414 (2024) → $120,946 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
South Valley, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners 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 practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Las Cruces vs South Valley?
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