Las Cruces vs Rio Rancho: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist 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 | $137,139▲ | $136,624 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.94▲ | $65.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,541▲ | $79,242 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,816 | $106,761▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $165,788 | $167,551▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $203,244 | $206,495▲ |
| Total Employed | 28▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rio Rancho.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and Rio Rancho is $515 (0.38%). 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 Las Cruces spans $123,703,Rio Rancho spans $127,253. Rio Rancho 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 0.38% more than Rio Rancho ($144,729 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 ($137,139/year)
- ✓Larger job market (28 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,274)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Rio Rancho if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($206,495)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Las Cruces grew 6.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.7% growth in Rio Rancho over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$124,837 (2024) → $133,196 (2025)
Rio Rancho, NM
$124,369 (2024) → $132,696 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
Rio Rancho, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Las Cruces or Rio Rancho?
What is the hourly rate difference between Las Cruces and Rio Rancho?
Should I relocate from Las Cruces to Rio Rancho as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Las Cruces vs Rio Rancho?
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