Dental Hygienist salary in Las Cruces, NM
Dental Hygienists in the Las Cruces, NM metro area earn a median of $82,120 a year ($39.48 an hour), based on BLS data for 120 workers.
Pay ranges from $76,360 for the lowest-paid 10% to $98,730 for the top 10%. That is 16% lower than the national median of $98,100. Pay here is 14% lower than the New Mexico statewide median of $95,940. There are 1.5 dental hygienists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $86,850, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for dental hygienists in Las Cruces, NM
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $76,360 | $36.71 |
| 25th percentile | $80,720 | $38.81 |
| Median | $82,120 | $39.48 |
| 75th percentile | $95,130 | $45.74 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $98,730 | $47.47 |
| Average (mean) | $86,850 | $41.76 |
Half of dental hygienists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $6,843.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,421.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,158.46 |
| Weekly | $1,579.23 |
| Hourly | $39.48 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $82,120 salary, see how much house you can afford in New Mexico at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Dental Hygienist salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe, NM | $99,260 | 120 |
| Albuquerque, NM | $95,900 | 810 |
| Farmington, NM | $90,420 | 120 |
Highest-paying states for dental hygienists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $137,220 |
| Alaska | $132,690 |
| Washington | $131,160 |
| California | $124,930 |
| Oregon | $122,080 |
| Nevada | $115,290 |
| Colorado | $109,580 |
| Maryland | $107,830 |
| New Jersey | $107,040 |
| New York | $106,130 |
See Dental Hygienist pay in every state or the New Mexico statewide figures.
Related jobs in Las Cruces, NM
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $83,310 | $40.05 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $131,990 | $63.46 |
| Physical Therapist | $120,350 | $57.86 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $102,850 | $49.45 |
| Physicians, All Other | $387,450 | $186.27 |
| Occupational Therapist | $108,630 | $52.23 |
| Pharmacist | $135,900 | $65.34 |
| Family Medicine Physician | $228,040 | $109.64 |
| Physician Assistant | $141,350 | $67.96 |
| Dentists, General | $207,000 | $99.52 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $62,960 | $30.27 |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | $66,700 | $32.07 |
| Veterinarian | $124,640 | $59.92 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $61,670 | $29.65 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Las Cruces, NM
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 29-1292. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dental hygienist make in Las Cruces, NM?
The median salary for dental hygienists in the Las Cruces, NM metro area is $82,120 a year, or $39.48 an hour. Pay ranges from $76,360 for the lowest-paid 10% to $98,730 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dental hygienists make in Las Cruces, NM?
The top 10% of dental hygienists in the Las Cruces, NM metro area earn at least $98,730 a year. The top 25% earn $95,130 or more.
What is the starting pay for dental hygienists in Las Cruces, NM?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $76,360 a year, and a quarter of dental hygienists earn $80,720 or less.
How many dental hygienists work in Las Cruces, NM?
About 120 dental hygienists are employed in the Las Cruces, NM metro area, not counting the self-employed.