Las Cruces vs Taos: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist 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 | $468,024▲ | $416,748 |
| Hourly Rate | $225.01▲ | $200.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $271,454▲ | $241,714 |
| 25th Percentile | $336,977▲ | $300,058 |
| 75th Percentile | $586,566▲ | $504,195 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $666,267▲ | $551,254 |
| Total Employed | 28▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Taos.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and Taos is $51,276 (12.30%). Las Cruces's median is +14.40% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Las Cruces spans $394,813,Taos spans $309,540. 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 ($495,788 effective) pays 12.30% more than Taos ($441,470 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 ($468,024/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($666,267)
- ✓Larger job market (28 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $495,788)
- ✓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, anesthesiologist salaries in Las Cruces grew 31.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.2% growth in Taos over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$341,352 (2024) → $447,870 (2025)
Taos, NM
$303,955 (2024) → $398,802 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Las Cruces or Taos?
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has over 10 years of experience in anesthesiology. She specializes in perioperative care at a major metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.50% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed anesthesiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov