Hobbs vs Las Cruces: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Hobbs, NM and Las Cruces, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hobbs, NM | Las Cruces, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,039▲ | $55,935 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.87▲ | $26.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,823▲ | $37,051 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,674▲ | $44,832 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,850▲ | $72,635 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,060▲ | $80,273 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Hobbs, NM offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Las Cruces.
The salary gap between Hobbs and Las Cruces is $4,104 (7.34%). Hobbs's median is -8.21% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hobbs spans $52,237,Las Cruces spans $43,222. Hobbs 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, Hobbs ($63,601 effective) pays 2.58% more than Las Cruces ($62,004 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hobbs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,039/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,060)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,601)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Hobbs grew 13.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.5% growth in Las Cruces over the same period.
Hobbs, NM
$51,403 (2024) → $58,563 (2025)
Las Cruces, NM
$46,050 (2019) → $54,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Hobbs or Las Cruces?
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Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov