Albuquerque vs Las Cruces: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Las Cruces, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Las Cruces, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,260▲ | $74,826 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.67▲ | $35.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,063▲ | $58,690 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,547▲ | $59,831 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,107▲ | $75,281 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,672▲ | $76,200 |
| Total Employed | 1,900▲ | 890 |
Verdict
Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Las Cruces.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Las Cruces is $1,434 (1.92%). Albuquerque's median is +18.06% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $23,609,Las Cruces spans $17,510. Albuquerque 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 ($82,945 effective) pays 3.92% more than Albuquerque ($79,815 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albuquerque if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,260/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,672)
- ✓Larger job market (1,900 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,945)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Albuquerque grew 39.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.2% growth in Las Cruces over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$54,040 (2019) → $75,520 (2025)
Las Cruces, NM
$67,870 (2019) → $74,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Las Cruces, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Albuquerque or Las Cruces?
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Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% 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 Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov