Gallup vs Las Cruces: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Gallup, NM and Las Cruces, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gallup, NM | Las Cruces, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,738▲ | $99,566 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.76▲ | $47.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,139▲ | $67,808 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,477▲ | $79,831 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,012▲ | $118,513 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $158,104▲ | $139,699 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Gallup, NM offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Las Cruces.
The salary gap between Gallup and Las Cruces is $10,172 (10.22%). Gallup's median is -12.23% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gallup spans $80,965,Las Cruces spans $71,891. Gallup 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, Gallup ($116,248 effective) pays 5.33% 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 Gallup if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,738/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($158,104)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,248)
- ✓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 Gallup grew 11.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.5% growth in Las Cruces over the same period.
Gallup, NM
$94,788 (2024) → $105,874 (2025)
Las Cruces, NM
$93,730 (2019) → $96,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gallup, NM
Las Cruces, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Gallup 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