Las Cruces vs Santa Fe: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Las Cruces, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Cruces, NM | Santa Fe, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,521 | $48,255▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.00 | $23.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,079 | $39,521▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,548 | $45,001▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $45,305 | $50,197▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,656 | $58,059▲ |
| Total Employed | 720▲ | 320 |
Verdict
Santa Fe, 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 Santa Fe is $8,734 (22.10%). Santa Fe's median is +0.61% 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,Santa Fe spans $18,538. Santa Fe 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, Santa Fe ($48,857 effective) pays 11.52% 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 Santa Fe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,255/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,059)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,857)
- ✓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 23.8% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$27,120 (2019) → $37,650 (2025)
Santa Fe, NM
$37,140 (2019) → $45,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Las Cruces or Santa Fe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Las Cruces and Santa Fe?
Should I relocate from Las Cruces to Santa Fe as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Las Cruces vs Santa Fe?
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