Pharmacist Salary

Gallup vs Las Cruces: Pharmacist Salary (2026)

Compare pharmacist salaries between Gallup, NM and Las Cruces, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Gallup, NM
$125,935
$60.55/hr
Las Cruces, NM
$138,387
$66.54/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGallup, NMLas Cruces, NM
Median Salary$125,935$138,387
Hourly Rate$60.55$66.54
Entry Level (P10)$97,910$101,260
25th Percentile$120,842$128,418
75th Percentile$143,803$157,786
Top Earner (P90)$146,949$176,003
Total Employed4120
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Gallup ($125,935) and Las Cruces ($138,387) pharmacist salaries.GallupLas CrucesMedian Salary$125,935$138,387Entry Level (P10)$97,910$101,260Top Earner (P90)$146,949$176,003US Median $143,489

Verdict

Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gallup.

The salary gap between Gallup and Las Cruces is $12,452 (9.89%). Las Cruces's median is -3.56% compared to the US national median of $143,489.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gallup spans $49,039,Las Cruces spans $74,743. Las Cruces has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacists.

Gallup
P10 (Entry)$97,910
P25$120,842
Median$125,935
P75$143,803
P90 (Top)$146,949
Las Cruces
P10 (Entry)$101,260
P25$128,418
Median$138,387
P75$157,786
P90 (Top)$176,003

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Las Cruces ($153,402 effective) pays 14.99% more than Gallup ($133,406 effective).

Gallup
Nominal: $125,935
CoL Index: 94.4
Adjusted: $133,406
Las Cruces
Nominal: $138,387
CoL Index: 90.212
Adjusted: $153,402

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Gallup if…

  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Choose Las Cruces if…

  • Higher median salary ($138,387/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($176,003)
  • Larger job market (120 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $153,402)
  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Gallup grew 6.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -1.3% growth in Las Cruces over the same period.

Gallup, NM

+6.7%

$115,852 (2024) → $123,672 (2025)

Las Cruces, NM

+-1.3%

$137,720 (2019) → $135,900 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays pharmacists more: Gallup or Las Cruces?

Las Cruces has a higher median pharmacist salary at $138,387/year, compared to Gallup at $125,935/year — a difference of $12,452 (9.89%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Gallup and Las Cruces?

Gallup pharmacists earn $60.55/hr while Las Cruces hygienists earn $66.54/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Gallup to Las Cruces as a pharmacist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Gallup and Las Cruces. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Gallup = $133,406, Las Cruces = $153,402), job availability (4 vs 120 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Gallup vs Las Cruces?

Entry-level (10th percentile) pharmacists earn $97,910 in Gallup and $101,260 in Las Cruces. The Las Cruces area offers higher starting salaries.
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD

Career Analyst

Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Patel, PharmDData verified by Amina Al-Sayed, PharmD

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov