Farmington vs Las Cruces: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Farmington, NM and Las Cruces, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Farmington, NM | Las Cruces, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,327▲ | $99,566 |
| Hourly Rate | $55.93▲ | $47.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,329▲ | $67,808 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,061▲ | $79,831 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,940▲ | $118,513 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,746▲ | $139,699 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Farmington, NM offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Las Cruces.
The salary gap between Farmington and Las Cruces is $16,761 (16.83%). Farmington's median is -6.96% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Farmington spans $93,417,Las Cruces spans $71,891. Farmington 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, Farmington ($123,228 effective) pays 11.65% 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 Farmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,327/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($167,746)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $123,228)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Farmington grew 5.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.5% growth in Las Cruces over the same period.
Farmington, NM
$106,010 (2019) → $112,231 (2025)
Las Cruces, NM
$93,730 (2019) → $96,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Farmington, NM
Las Cruces, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Farmington or Las Cruces?
What is the hourly rate difference between Farmington and Las Cruces?
Should I relocate from Farmington to Las Cruces as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Farmington vs Las Cruces?
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