Las Cruces vs Los Alamos: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Las Cruces, NM and Los Alamos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Cruces, NM | Los Alamos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,490▲ | $44,767 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.53▲ | $21.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,960▲ | $27,034 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,955▲ | $32,983 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,320▲ | $57,301 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,200▲ | $69,388 |
| Total Employed | 30▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Alamos.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and Los Alamos is $18,723 (41.82%). Las Cruces's median is -21.03% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Las Cruces spans $40,240,Los Alamos spans $42,354. Los Alamos has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Las Cruces ($70,379 effective) pays 48.41% more than Los Alamos ($47,423 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 ($63,490/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($71,200)
- ✓Larger job market (30 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,379)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Los Alamos if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Las Cruces grew 4.8% from 2022 to 2025, compared to -48.2% growth in Los Alamos over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$57,990 (2022) → $60,768 (2025)
Los Alamos, NM
$82,657 (2024) → $42,847 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
Los Alamos, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Las Cruces or Los Alamos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Las Cruces and Los Alamos?
Should I relocate from Las Cruces to Los Alamos as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Las Cruces vs Los Alamos?
Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov