Las Cruces vs Los Alamos: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist salaries between Las Cruces, NM and Los Alamos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Cruces, NM | Los Alamos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $26,207▲ | $15,315 |
| Hourly Rate | $12.60▲ | $7.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $19,590▲ | $11,924 |
| 25th Percentile | $22,231▲ | $13,463 |
| 75th Percentile | $34,213▲ | $19,102 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $42,568▲ | $23,194 |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for medical billing and coding specialists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Alamos.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and Los Alamos is $10,892 (71.12%). Las Cruces's median is -13.65% compared to the US national median of $30,349.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Las Cruces spans $22,978,Los Alamos spans $11,270. 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, Las Cruces ($29,050 effective) pays 79.06% more than Los Alamos ($16,224 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($26,207/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($42,568)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $29,050)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Los Alamos if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical billing and coding specialist salaries in Las Cruces grew -26.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -62.6% growth in Los Alamos over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$34,940 (2021) → $25,613 (2025)
Los Alamos, NM
$40,023 (2024) → $14,968 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
Los Alamos, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists more: Las Cruces or Los Alamos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Las Cruces and Los Alamos?
Should I relocate from Las Cruces to Los Alamos as a medical billing and coding specialist?
What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Las Cruces vs Los Alamos?
Written by Amina Patel, CPC
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in medical billing. She specializes in outpatient coding for multi-specialty practices.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.32% 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 Amina Patel, CPC, a licensed medical billing and coding specialist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov