Las Cruces vs Los Alamos: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare ultrasound technologist 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 | $83,954 | $88,184▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.37 | $42.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,834 | $66,657▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,221 | $75,908▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $106,588▲ | $96,271 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,040▲ | $113,034 |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Las Cruces and Los Alamos are closely matched on overall ultrasound technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and Los Alamos is $4,230 (5.04%). Los Alamos's median is -12.99% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Las Cruces spans $61,206,Los Alamos spans $46,377. 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 ($93,415 effective) pays 0.38% more than Las Cruces ($93,063 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 ($120,040)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Los Alamos if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,184/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,415)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Las Cruces grew 15.6% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 34.2% growth in Los Alamos over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$69,190 (2020) → $80,010 (2025)
Los Alamos, NM
$62,645 (2024) → $84,041 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
Los Alamos, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ultrasound technologists 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 ultrasound technologist?
What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Las Cruces vs Los Alamos?
Written by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT
Career Analyst
Ravi has 10 years of experience as an ultrasound technologist. He specializes in abdominal and pelvic imaging. He works in a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.93% 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 Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT, a licensed ultrasound technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov