Las Cruces vs Los Alamos: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Las Cruces, NM and Los Alamos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Cruces, NM | Los Alamos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,521 | $41,729▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.00 | $20.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,079 | $35,398▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,548▲ | $36,320 |
| 75th Percentile | $45,305▲ | $44,315 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,656 | $51,869▲ |
| Total Employed | 720▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Los Alamos, NM offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Las Cruces.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and Los Alamos is $2,208 (5.59%). Los Alamos's median is -12.99% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Las Cruces spans $15,577,Los Alamos spans $16,471. Los Alamos has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Los Alamos ($44,204 effective) pays 0.90% 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 Las Cruces if…
- ✓Larger job market (720 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Los Alamos if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,729/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($51,869)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,204)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Las Cruces grew 38.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.2% growth in Los Alamos over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$27,120 (2019) → $37,650 (2025)
Los Alamos, NM
$34,803 (2024) → $39,753 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
Los Alamos, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Las Cruces or Los Alamos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Las Cruces and Los Alamos?
Should I relocate from Las Cruces to Los Alamos as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Las Cruces vs Los Alamos?
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