Las Cruces vs South Valley: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Las Cruces, NM and South Valley, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Cruces, NM | South Valley, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,458▲ | $62,294 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.95▲ | $29.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,319▲ | $43,132 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,749 | $54,978▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,987▲ | $76,909 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,783▲ | $91,866 |
| Total Employed | 28▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Valley.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and South Valley is $4,164 (6.68%). Las Cruces's median is -2.47% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Las Cruces spans $53,464,South Valley spans $48,734. 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 ($70,400 effective) pays 6.68% more than South Valley ($65,989 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 ($66,458/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,783)
- ✓Larger job market (28 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,400)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose South Valley if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Las Cruces grew 30.2% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 15.4% growth in South Valley over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$48,420 (2022) → $63,053 (2025)
South Valley, NM
$51,194 (2024) → $59,102 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
South Valley, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Las Cruces or South Valley?
What is the hourly rate difference between Las Cruces and South Valley?
Should I relocate from Las Cruces to South Valley as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Las Cruces vs South Valley?
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov