Las Cruces vs Taos: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Las Cruces, NM and Taos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Cruces, NM | Taos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $138,387▲ | $124,611 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.54▲ | $59.91 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,260▲ | $94,132 |
| 25th Percentile | $128,418▲ | $117,967 |
| 75th Percentile | $157,786▲ | $138,140 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,003▲ | $142,968 |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Taos.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and Taos is $13,776 (11.06%). 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 Las Cruces spans $74,743,Taos spans $48,836. Las Cruces 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, Las Cruces ($153,402 effective) pays 16.21% more than Taos ($132,003 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Taos if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Las Cruces grew -1.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.8% growth in Taos over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$137,720 (2019) → $135,900 (2025)
Taos, NM
$114,634 (2024) → $122,372 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Las Cruces or Taos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Las Cruces and Taos?
Should I relocate from Las Cruces to Taos as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Las Cruces vs Taos?
Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
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