Alamogordo vs Las Cruces: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Alamogordo, NM and Las Cruces, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alamogordo, NM | Las Cruces, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $72,135▲ | $62,578 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.68▲ | $30.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,014 | $49,531▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,491 | $60,094▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $92,332▲ | $74,904 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,984▲ | $94,661 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 430▲ |
Verdict
Alamogordo, NM offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Las Cruces.
The salary gap between Alamogordo and Las Cruces is $9,557 (15.27%). Alamogordo's median is -8.16% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alamogordo spans $63,970,Las Cruces spans $45,130. Alamogordo 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, Alamogordo ($76,414 effective) pays 10.16% more than Las Cruces ($69,368 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alamogordo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($72,135/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,984)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,414)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Larger job market (430 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Alamogordo grew 22.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.6% growth in Las Cruces over the same period.
Alamogordo, NM
$56,942 (2024) → $69,993 (2025)
Las Cruces, NM
$50,760 (2019) → $60,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alamogordo, NM
Las Cruces, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Alamogordo or Las Cruces?
What is the hourly rate difference between Alamogordo and Las Cruces?
Should I relocate from Alamogordo to Las Cruces as a police officer?
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov