Medical Assistant Salary in Las Cruces, NM: $39,521 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical assistant in Las Cruces, NM earns a median $39,521/year (≈ $19.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Once you factor in Las Cruces's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.2), that paycheck buys what $43,809 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.7% below the New Mexico state average.
Official BLS data · View source
For 2026, the medical assistant salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico, is projected to reach a median of $39,521 annually. This figure positions it as significantly lower than the national average of $47,961, creating a pay gradient that reflects the differences in practice types. The salary range for medical assistants ranges from $32,079 at the 10th percentile to $47,656 at the 90th percentile. This data, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, indicates that those working in specialty practices like dermatology or orthopedics can expect higher wages compared to their counterparts in primary care settings. Given the local employment of approximately 720 medical assistants, understanding the factors influencing salaries in Las Cruces is critical for both current practitioners and those considering this career path.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,079 | $15.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,548 | $18.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,521 | $19.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45,305 | $21.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47,656 | $22.91 |
Median Salary Position
17.6% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Las Cruces
In Las Cruces, NM, the medical assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $15,577 (2026 est.). At $39,521, the local median is 17.6% below the national median of $47,961.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Las Cruces: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Las Cruces Medical Assistant Pay Compares
Las Cruces median: $39,521/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Las Cruces Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $45,271 | -12.70% less |
| National Average | $47,961 | -17.60% less |
Medical Assistants in Las Cruces, NM earn a median of $39,521 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.60% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 12.70% below the New Mexico state average of $45,271.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Las Cruces has a cost of living 9.79% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Las Cruces, NM has a cost-of-living index of 90.212 (below the national average of 100). A medical assistant earning $39,521 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,809 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.85% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$27,120
2025 BLS Actual
$37,650
2026 Current Est.
$39,521
2019–2027 Growth
+53.0%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Las Cruces (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,120 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,230 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,640 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,610 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,410 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,480 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,650 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,521 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,485 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Las Cruces metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 38.8% from $27,120 (2019) to $37,650 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $41,485 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,365 (52.97%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Las Cruces metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.97% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $32,079 – $37,548 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,548 – $39,521 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,521 – $45,305 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $45,305 – $47,656 |
MA, CMA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Assistant Job Market in Las Cruces
Considering the cost of living in Las Cruces, indexed at 90.212, the local purchasing power for medical assistants is relatively favorable despite the lower salary figures compared to national standards. Employers in this area, including primary care physician offices and urgent care chains, generally pay less than specialty practices, which often offer premiums for roles in cardiology, orthopedics, and dermatology. The spread in pay is influenced by several factors, including experience, bilingual skills, and additional certifications in areas like phlebotomy and EKG. To maximize earnings, medical assistants should explore opportunities in high-demand specialty fields and consider obtaining certifications recognized by AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT. Job seekers might also benefit from networking within local healthcare institutions and actively pursuing roles in corporate occupational health clinics that may offer shift differentials and other incentives.
More salary data for Las Cruces, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical assistants make in Las Cruces, NM in 2026?
Is Las Cruces, NM a good place to work as a medical assistant?
Can medical assistants make $100K in Las Cruces?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted medical assistant salary in Las Cruces?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $37,650 for medical assistantsin the Las Cruces metropolitan area. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.97%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical assistants (SOC 31-9092).
Compiled and verified by Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov