Average Medical Assistants Salary in Las Cruces, NM
In Las Cruces, New Mexico, Medical Assistants earn an average annual salary of $37,290. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $44,590, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the local healthcare sector. The cost of living in Las Cruces aligns perfectly with the national average, suggesting that while nominal wages are lower, purchasing power may be more stable.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,290 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,920.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 850 Medical Assistants, Las Cruces presents a significant concentration of these professionals, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.12. This suggests a robust local demand and a well-established presence of the profession within the city's employment landscape, implying a stable job market for skilled individuals.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Assistants in Las Cruces, NM earns-16.4%below the national average.
$17.9
$717
$3,108
Medical Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Las Cruces is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Medical Assistants nationwide have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, driven by increasing healthcare needs and evolving job responsibilities. This national trend likely influences local compensation, even if at a moderated pace compared to higher cost-of-living areas.
Medical Assistants Salary Distribution in Las Cruces, NM
Salary progression for Medical Assistants in Las Cruces, as elsewhere, is typically tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications or supervisory roles can expect significantly higher compensation. The gap between the 25th percentile and the 75th percentile salary clearly illustrates this career growth potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $29,460 | $14.2 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $27,968 | $13.4 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $36,480 | $17.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $46,613 | $22.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $43,920 | $21.1 |
Detailed Medical Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,290
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,290
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $37,290 in Las Cruces, NM, aligns precisely with a Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the nominal income earned by Medical Assistants in Las Cruces offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a financially neutral location in terms of cost of living relative to salary.
Job Market Context
850
Total Jobs
10.888
Per 1K Jobs
2.12
Location Quotient
Las Cruces, NM has 2.1x the national concentration of Medical Assistants jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 2.12 for Medical Assistants in Las Cruces signifies a substantial concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This indicates that the job market in Las Cruces is more specialized in this profession, suggesting a potentially competitive environment for job seekers but also a strong ecosystem of healthcare facilities relying on these skilled workers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| El Paso, TX Medical Assistants Salary | $35,190↓ 6% | 39 mi |
Comparing salaries near Las Cruces, NM
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Assistants make in Las Cruces, NM?
The median annual salary for a Medical Assistants in Las Cruces, NM is $37,290. This typically ranges from $29,460 for entry-level positions to $43,920 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Las Cruces, NM is 16.4% lower than the national median of $44,590.
Is Las Cruces, NM a lucrative place for Medical Assistants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Medical Assistants in Las Cruces is below the national benchmark. The high concentration of professionals suggests a competitive market rather than one offering premium compensation.
Is Las Cruces, NM a good place to live for Medical Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Las Cruces, NM is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Las Cruces, NM?
Some top paying nearby cities include El Paso, TX ($35,190) and others.
How does the Las Cruces Medical Assistant salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Medical Assistants in Las Cruces, NM, is $37,290, which is lower than the national average of $44,590.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.12 mean for Medical Assistants in Las Cruces?
A Location Quotient of 2.12 indicates that Medical Assistants are more than twice as concentrated in Las Cruces compared to the national average, suggesting a strong local presence and demand for the profession.
Is the cost of living in Las Cruces high for Medical Assistants?
No, the cost of living in Las Cruces is exactly at the national average (index of 100), meaning that the $37,290 salary has average purchasing power.
How many Medical Assistants work in Las Cruces?
There are approximately 850 Medical Assistants employed within the Las Cruces, NM workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 850 employees in the Las Cruces, NM area with a job density of 10.888 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Medical Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Las Cruces, NM