Las Cruces vs Santa Fe: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Las Cruces, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Cruces, NM | Santa Fe, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,490▲ | $49,041 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.53▲ | $23.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,960▲ | $28,444 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,955▲ | $35,309 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,320▲ | $62,773 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,200 | $76,013▲ |
| Total Employed | 30▲ | 20 |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Fe.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and Santa Fe is $14,449 (29.46%). 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,Santa Fe spans $47,569. Santa Fe 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 35.47% more than Santa Fe ($51,950 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)
- ✓Larger job market (30 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,379)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,013)
- ✓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 Santa Fe over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$57,990 (2022) → $60,768 (2025)
Santa Fe, NM
$90,548 (2024) → $46,938 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Las Cruces or Santa Fe?
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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