Farmington vs Las Cruces: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant 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 | $39,301 | $39,521▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.89 | $19.00▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,919▲ | $32,079 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,314▲ | $37,548 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,901▲ | $45,305 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $49,168▲ | $47,656 |
| Total Employed | 360 | 720▲ |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Farmington.
The salary gap between Farmington and Las Cruces is $220 (0.56%). Las Cruces's median is -17.60% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Farmington spans $16,249,Las Cruces spans $15,577. 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 ($44,809 effective) pays 2.28% 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 Farmington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($49,168)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,809)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($39,521/year)
- ✓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 Farmington grew 25.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.8% growth in Las Cruces over the same period.
Farmington, NM
$29,860 (2019) → $37,440 (2025)
Las Cruces, NM
$27,120 (2019) → $37,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Farmington, NM
Las Cruces, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants 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 medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Farmington 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