Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Las Cruces, NM: $103,078 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Las Cruces, NM earns a median $103,078/year (≈ $49.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Las Cruces's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $109,193 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% above the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Las Cruces, New Mexico, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary is projected to reach a median annual figure of $103,078 in 2026, reflecting the area's established yet contained market for this profession, with only 28 psychologists employed locally. Salaries in this field exhibit a wide range, with the lower end at $59,785 for those in the 10th percentile and the upper end soaring to $159,771 for those in the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, highlight a significant financial opportunity within this profession, although it remains slightly below the national median of $105,689. This scenario indicates a balanced supply and demand dynamic that prospective psychologists might find noteworthy as they consider career potential in Las Cruces.
About the Las Cruces Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($80,580) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,785 | $28.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,216 | $35.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,078 | $49.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $131,941 | $63.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $159,771 | $76.81 |
Median Salary Position
2.47% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Las Cruces
In Las Cruces, NM, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $99,986 (2026 est.). At $103,078, the local median is 2.47% below the national median of $105,689.
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At 40 hours/week in Las Cruces: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Las Cruces Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Las Cruces median: $103,078/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Las Cruces Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $99,785 | +3.30% more |
| National Average | $105,689 | -2.47% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Las Cruces, NM earn a median of $103,078 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.47% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 3.30% above the New Mexico state average of $99,785.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Las Cruces has a cost of living 5.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Las Cruces, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $103,078 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $109,193 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$97,580
2025 BLS Actual
$98,095
2026 Current Est.
$103,078
2021–2027 Growth
+11.0%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Las Cruces (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $97,580 | Actual |
| 2022 | $87,903 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,600 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,589 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,095 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,078 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $108,315 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Las Cruces metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 0.5% from $97,580 (2021) to $98,095 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $108,315 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,735 (11.00%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Las Cruces metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.08% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $59,785 – $74,216 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,216 – $103,078 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,078 – $131,941 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $131,941 – $159,771 |
CCP salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual clinical and counseling psychologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Job Market in Las Cruces
The job market for clinical and counseling psychologists in Las Cruces is shaped by a relatively low cost of living index of 94.4, which enhances the purchasing power of salaries in the region. Among the local employers, large healthcare organizations tend to offer the most competitive compensation, followed by specialty clinics and community health centers. Factors such as specific credentials, shifts, and benefits contribute to the variation in pay—a psychologist skilled in specialized therapy techniques, for example, may find themselves at the higher end of the pay scale. To maximize earning potential, professionals should consider gaining additional certifications or relevant experience that is in high demand, as this can significantly influence their marketability and negotiating power in Las Cruces NM.
More salary data for Las Cruces, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do clinical and counseling psychologists make in Las Cruces, NM in 2026?
Is Las Cruces, NM a good place to work as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in Las Cruces?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Las Cruces?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in clinical psychology. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy. Maria works at a mental health clinic in Chicago.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $98,095 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Las Cruces metropolitan area. A 5.08% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Las Cruces is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.08%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for clinical and counseling psychologists (SOC 19-3033).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC, a licensed clinical and counseling psychologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov