Deming vs Las Cruces: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Deming, NM and Las Cruces, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Deming, NM | Las Cruces, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $123,851 | $137,139▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $59.54 | $65.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,883 | $79,541▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $104,419 | $104,816▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $146,569 | $165,788▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,737 | $203,244▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 28▲ |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Deming.
The salary gap between Deming and Las Cruces is $13,288 (10.73%). Las Cruces's median is -2.47% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Deming spans $97,854,Las Cruces spans $123,703. Las Cruces has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Las Cruces ($145,274 effective) pays 10.73% more than Deming ($131,198 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Deming if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,139/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($203,244)
- ✓Larger job market (28 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,274)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Deming grew 6.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.7% growth in Las Cruces over the same period.
Deming, NM
$112,742 (2024) → $120,290 (2025)
Las Cruces, NM
$124,837 (2024) → $133,196 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Deming, NM
Las Cruces, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Deming or Las Cruces?
What is the hourly rate difference between Deming and Las Cruces?
Should I relocate from Deming to Las Cruces as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Deming vs Las Cruces?
Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% 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 Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov