Las Cruces vs Rio Rancho: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Las Cruces, NM and Rio Rancho, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Cruces, NM | Rio Rancho, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $430,985▲ | $429,367 |
| Hourly Rate | $207.21▲ | $206.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $249,971▲ | $249,033 |
| 25th Percentile | $310,310▲ | $309,144 |
| 75th Percentile | $518,095 | $523,643▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $608,822 | $619,149▲ |
| Total Employed | 28▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rio Rancho.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and Rio Rancho is $1,618 (0.38%). Las Cruces's median is -2.47% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Las Cruces spans $358,851,Rio Rancho spans $370,116. Rio Rancho has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Las Cruces ($456,552 effective) pays 0.38% more than Rio Rancho ($454,838 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 ($430,985/year)
- ✓Larger job market (28 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $456,552)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Rio Rancho if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($619,149)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Las Cruces grew 20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Rio Rancho over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$341,352 (2024) → $410,462 (2025)
Rio Rancho, NM
$340,071 (2024) → $408,921 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
Rio Rancho, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists more: Las Cruces or Rio Rancho?
What is the hourly rate difference between Las Cruces and Rio Rancho?
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has 10 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. She specializes in imaging techniques for oncology. She works at a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.00% 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 radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov