Las Cruces vs Los Alamos: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor 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 | $75,399 | $94,436▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.25 | $45.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,841 | $54,773▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,381 | $67,994▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $96,265 | $120,878▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,550▲ | $146,375 |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Las Cruces and Los Alamos are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and Los Alamos is $19,037 (25.25%). Los Alamos's median is -12.99% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Las Cruces spans $137,709,Los Alamos spans $91,602. 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, Los Alamos ($100,038 effective) pays 19.69% more than Las Cruces ($83,580 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,550)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Los Alamos if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($94,436/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,038)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Las Cruces grew -25.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 23.6% growth in Los Alamos over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$97,740 (2021) → $72,990 (2025)
Los Alamos, NM
$73,956 (2024) → $91,419 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
Los Alamos, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors 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 financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Las Cruces vs Los Alamos?
Written by Jordan Lee, CFP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in financial planning. They specialize in retirement planning for individuals. They work at a financial services firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.30% 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 Jordan Lee, CFP, a licensed financial advisor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov