Las Cruces vs Taos: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Las Cruces, NM and Taos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Cruces, NM | Taos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,458▲ | $59,177 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.95▲ | $28.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,319▲ | $45,077 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,749▲ | $51,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,987▲ | $70,480 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,783▲ | $82,524 |
| Total Employed | 28▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Taos.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and Taos is $7,281 (12.30%). 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,Taos spans $37,447. 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 12.30% more than Taos ($62,687 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 Taos 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 Taos over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$48,420 (2022) → $63,053 (2025)
Taos, NM
$48,633 (2024) → $56,145 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Las Cruces or Taos?
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Should I relocate from Las Cruces to Taos as a surgical technologist?
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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