Dietitian Pay

Hobbs vs Las Cruces: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)

Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Hobbs, NM and Las Cruces, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Hobbs, NM
$72,864
$35.04/hr
Las Cruces, NM
$69,301
$33.32/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHobbs, NMLas Cruces, NM
Median Salary$72,864$69,301
Hourly Rate$35.04$33.32
Entry Level (P10)$45,828$58,465
25th Percentile$63,168$58,465
75th Percentile$85,595$77,395
Top Earner (P90)$98,186$85,894
Total Employed960
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hobbs ($72,864) and Las Cruces ($69,301) dietitian and nutritionist salaries.HobbsLas CrucesMedian Salary$72,864$69,301Entry Level (P10)$45,828$58,465Top Earner (P90)$98,186$85,894US Median $79,380

Verdict

Hobbs, NM offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Las Cruces.

The salary gap between Hobbs and Las Cruces is $3,563 (5.14%). Hobbs's median is -8.21% compared to the US national median of $79,380.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hobbs spans $52,358,Las Cruces spans $27,429. Hobbs has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Hobbs
P10 (Entry)$45,828
P25$63,168
Median$72,864
P75$85,595
P90 (Top)$98,186
Las Cruces
P10 (Entry)$58,465
P25$58,465
Median$69,301
P75$77,395
P90 (Top)$85,894

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Hobbs ($77,186 effective) pays 0.48% more than Las Cruces ($76,820 effective).

Hobbs
Nominal: $72,864
CoL Index: 94.4
Adjusted: $77,186
Las Cruces
Nominal: $69,301
CoL Index: 90.212
Adjusted: $76,820

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 ($72,864/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($98,186)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,186)
  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Choose Las Cruces if…

  • Larger job market (60 employed)
  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Hobbs grew 15.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.8% growth in Las Cruces over the same period.

Hobbs, NM

+15.8%

$60,582 (2024) → $70,129 (2025)

Las Cruces, NM

+40.8%

$47,370 (2019) → $66,700 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Hobbs or Las Cruces?

Hobbs has a higher median dietitian and nutritionist salary at $72,864/year, compared to Las Cruces at $69,301/year — a difference of $3,563 (5.14%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hobbs and Las Cruces?

Hobbs dietitian and nutritionists earn $35.04/hr while Las Cruces hygienists earn $33.32/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hobbs to Las Cruces as a dietitian and nutritionist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hobbs and Las Cruces. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hobbs = $77,186, Las Cruces = $76,820), job availability (9 vs 60 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Hobbs vs Las Cruces?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dietitian and nutritionists earn $45,828 in Hobbs and $58,465 in Las Cruces. The Las Cruces area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

Written by Aisha Patel, MS, RD

Career Analyst

Aisha has 10 years of experience as a nutrition consultant. She specializes in sports nutrition. Aisha works with professional athletes and teams.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Gomez, RDNData verified by Emily Chen, MS, RDN

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.90% 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 Aisha Patel, MS, RD, a licensed dietitian and nutritionist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov