Las Cruces vs Taos: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Las Cruces, NM and Taos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Cruces, NM | Taos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,810▲ | $73,251 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.37▲ | $35.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,393 | $54,878▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,090▲ | $61,098 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,442 | $87,180▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,603 | $100,894▲ |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Taos.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and Taos is $6,559 (8.95%). Las Cruces's median is -5.38% compared to the US national median of $84,348.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Las Cruces spans $42,210,Taos spans $46,016. Taos has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Las Cruces ($88,469 effective) pays 14.01% more than Taos ($77,596 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 ($79,810/year)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,469)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Taos if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,894)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Las Cruces grew 34.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.2% growth in Taos over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$56,170 (2019) → $75,800 (2025)
Taos, NM
$53,843 (2024) → $69,571 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Las Cruces or Taos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Las Cruces and Taos?
Should I relocate from Las Cruces to Taos as a radiologic technologist and technician?
What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Las Cruces vs Taos?
Written by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM)
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in radiologic technology. They specialize in mammography and work in an outpatient imaging center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.29% 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, RT(R), RT(TM), a licensed radiologic technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov