Albuquerque vs Las Cruces: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer 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 | $169,696▲ | $99,566 |
| Hourly Rate | $81.58▲ | $47.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,034▲ | $67,808 |
| 25th Percentile | $136,528▲ | $79,831 |
| 75th Percentile | $210,078▲ | $118,513 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $210,078▲ | $139,699 |
| Total Employed | 1,280▲ | 130 |
Verdict
Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Las Cruces.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Las Cruces is $70,130 (70.44%). Albuquerque's median is +35.72% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $102,044,Las Cruces spans $71,891. 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, Albuquerque ($177,607 effective) pays 60.92% more than Las Cruces ($110,369 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 ($169,696/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($210,078)
- ✓Larger job market (1,280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $177,607)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Albuquerque grew 37.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.5% growth in Las Cruces over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$119,420 (2019) → $163,720 (2025)
Las Cruces, NM
$93,730 (2019) → $96,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Las Cruces, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Albuquerque or Las Cruces?
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov