Carlsbad vs Las Cruces: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Carlsbad, NM and Las Cruces, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carlsbad, NM | Las Cruces, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,927▲ | $39,521 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.64▲ | $19.00 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,074▲ | $32,079 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,621 | $37,548▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $45,231 | $45,305▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,289▲ | $47,656 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 720▲ |
Verdict
Carlsbad, NM offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Las Cruces.
The salary gap between Carlsbad and Las Cruces is $3,406 (8.62%). Carlsbad's median is -10.50% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carlsbad spans $18,215,Las Cruces spans $15,577. Carlsbad 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, Carlsbad ($45,474 effective) pays 3.80% more than Las Cruces ($43,809 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carlsbad if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,927/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($53,289)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,474)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Larger job market (720 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Carlsbad grew 14.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.8% growth in Las Cruces over the same period.
Carlsbad, NM
$35,802 (2024) → $40,895 (2025)
Las Cruces, NM
$27,120 (2019) → $37,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carlsbad, NM
Las Cruces, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Carlsbad or Las Cruces?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carlsbad and Las Cruces?
Should I relocate from Carlsbad to Las Cruces as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Carlsbad vs Las Cruces?
Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov