Las Cruces vs Los Lunas: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Las Cruces, NM and Los Lunas, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Cruces, NM | Los Lunas, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,725 | $55,317▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.34 | $26.59▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,954▲ | $42,695 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,954 | $46,144▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,637▲ | $69,463 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,998▲ | $84,908 |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Las Cruces and Los Lunas are closely matched on overall school counselor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and Los Lunas is $2,592 (4.92%). Los Lunas's median is -14.02% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Las Cruces spans $50,044,Los Lunas spans $42,213. 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, Los Lunas ($58,599 effective) pays 0.26% more than Las Cruces ($58,446 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,998)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Los Lunas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,317/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,599)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Las Cruces grew -7.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.0% growth in Los Lunas over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$55,650 (2019) → $51,666 (2025)
Los Lunas, NM
$52,643 (2024) → $54,206 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
Los Lunas, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Las Cruces or Los Lunas?
What is the hourly rate difference between Las Cruces and Los Lunas?
Should I relocate from Las Cruces to Los Lunas as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Las Cruces vs Los Lunas?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.05% 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, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov