Albuquerque vs Las Cruces: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Las Cruces, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Las Cruces, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,767 | $101,784▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.14 | $48.93▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,006▲ | $36,814 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,915 | $60,230▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $113,061▲ | $109,427 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,096 | $151,783▲ |
| Total Employed | N/A | 70 |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Albuquerque.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Las Cruces is $37,017 (57.15%). Las Cruces's median is +89.82% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $77,090,Las Cruces spans $114,969. Las Cruces has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced real estate agents.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Las Cruces ($112,828 effective) pays 66.45% more than Albuquerque ($67,786 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albuquerque if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,784/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($151,783)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,828)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Albuquerque grew 11.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 164.9% growth in Las Cruces over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$57,430 (2019) → $63,810 (2025)
Las Cruces, NM
$37,860 (2019) → $100,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Las Cruces, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Albuquerque or Las Cruces?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Las Cruces?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Las Cruces as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Albuquerque vs Las Cruces?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% 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 Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov