Las Cruces vs Santa Fe: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Las Cruces, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Cruces, NM | Santa Fe, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,725 | $75,407▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.34 | $36.26▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,954 | $49,354▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,954 | $57,755▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,637 | $85,328▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,998 | $103,119▲ |
| Total Employed | 140 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Santa Fe, NM offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Las Cruces.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and Santa Fe is $22,682 (43.02%). Santa Fe's median is +17.21% 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,Santa Fe spans $53,765. Santa Fe has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced school counselors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Santa Fe ($76,348 effective) pays 30.63% 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…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,407/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,119)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,348)
- ✓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 21.4% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$55,650 (2019) → $51,666 (2025)
Santa Fe, NM
$60,890 (2019) → $73,892 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Las Cruces or Santa Fe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Las Cruces and Santa Fe?
Should I relocate from Las Cruces to Santa Fe as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Las Cruces vs Santa Fe?
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