Las Cruces vs Taos: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer 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 | $45,416 | $56,514▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.84 | $27.17▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,261 | $38,065▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,608 | $45,383▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,977 | $70,933▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,311 | $87,597▲ |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Taos, NM offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Las Cruces.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and Taos is $11,098 (24.44%). Taos's median is -13.16% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Las Cruces spans $35,050,Taos spans $49,532. Taos has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Taos ($59,867 effective) pays 18.92% more than Las Cruces ($50,344 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Taos if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,514/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,597)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,867)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Las Cruces grew 24.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.1% growth in Taos over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$35,320 (2019) → $43,940 (2025)
Taos, NM
$45,159 (2024) → $54,677 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers 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 graphic designer?
What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Las Cruces vs Taos?
Written by Jordan Lee, MFA
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.36% 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, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov