Clovis vs Las Cruces: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Clovis, NM and Las Cruces, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Clovis, NM | Las Cruces, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $55,558 | $60,443▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.71 | $29.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,539 | $35,057▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,966 | $43,519▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $71,113 | $77,368▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,114 | $93,687▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 28▲ |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Clovis.
The salary gap between Clovis and Las Cruces is $4,885 (8.79%). Las Cruces's median is -2.47% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clovis spans $52,575,Las Cruces spans $58,630. Las Cruces has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced massage therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Las Cruces ($64,029 effective) pays 8.79% more than Clovis ($58,854 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Clovis if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,443/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,687)
- ✓Larger job market (28 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,029)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Clovis grew 27.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 97.9% growth in Las Cruces over the same period.
Clovis, NM
$41,237 (2024) → $52,398 (2025)
Las Cruces, NM
$28,810 (2021) → $57,006 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Clovis, NM
Las Cruces, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Clovis or Las Cruces?
What is the hourly rate difference between Clovis and Las Cruces?
Should I relocate from Clovis to Las Cruces as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Clovis vs Las Cruces?
Written by Jordan Lee, LMT
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in massage therapy. They specialize in sports massage. They work in a wellness center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.03% 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, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov