US
Las Cruces, NM
New Mexico salary market
$57.6K
Avg / Year
-27% vs U.S.
vs National
370
Employment
$4.8K
Monthly Avg
Updated for 2026

Solar Energy Installation Manager Salary in Las Cruces, NM (2026)

The Solar Energy Installation Manager salary in Las Cruces, NM for 2026 is presented as a modeled salary benchmark built from the latest official BLS wage baseline, then extended with wage trend history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available. This guide compares the Las Cruces, NM market with the U.S. baseline and breaks projected pay down by experience, skills, industry, and nearby markets.

Official BLS baseline: 2024Las Cruces, NM city pageModeled salary guide10 min read
City Average
$57.6K
per year
Entry Level
$41.4K
starting range
Senior Level
$74.5K
upper local band
Remote / Hybrid
$58.8K
modeled local premium
Monthly
$4.8K
avg before tax
Hourly Rate
$29
median equivalent
Salary figures projected to 2026  from May 2024BLS OEWS baseline  ·  Projections use wage history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available
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Solar Energy Installation Manager Salary Overview in Las Cruces, NM

Careerclev's modeled 2026 benchmark places Solar Energy Installation Manager pay in Las Cruces, NM at about $57,602.0 per year. On the latest official BLS baseline for this market, the lower local range starts near $42,710.0, while the strongest-paid professionals can reach about $90,250.0.

Salary estimates are based on data from the Las Cruces, Nm metropolitan area.

If you’re comparing Solar Energy Installation Manager salaries in Las Cruces, NM, the real story isn’t just the headline number. Local employer mix, seniority, specialization, and whether the role is remote, hybrid, or onsite can push compensation well above or below the local median.

Las Cruces, NM vs. U.S. National Average

Las Cruces, NM pays -27% vs u.s. for Solar Energy Installation Manager roles. The difference is driven by local employer demand, industry mix, cost pressures, and how concentrated this role is in the underlying metro labor market.

United States National Average
$78.7K
all U.S. markets combined
-27%
Las Cruces, NM Premium
Las Cruces, NM City Average
$57.6K
Solar Energy Installation Manager
MarketProjected Salaryvs Las Cruces, NMMarket Maturity
Las Cruces, NM (this guide)$57,602.0BaselineLocal market
United States$78,690.0+37% vs U.S.National baseline
Farmington, NM$76,950.0+34% vs U.S.Comparable city
Albuquerque, NM$73,840.0+28% vs U.S.Comparable city
Santa Fe, NM$63,320.0+10% vs U.S.Comparable city
Why Las Cruces, NM pay differsThe strongest city salary premiums usually appear where employers compete for specialized talent, where the role is concentrated, and where local costs make compensation harder to hold down.

Solar Energy Installation Manager Salary by Experience Level in Las Cruces, NM

Experience changes the local salary picture quickly because employers usually pay for independence, specialization, and broader scope, not just years on paper. In Las Cruces, NM, this breakdown shows how aSolar Energy Installation Manager can move from early-career pay into stronger bands as the role becomes more self-directed.

Entry-Level
0-2 years
$52.0K
$28/hr median equivalent
$41.4K - $57.6K
Mid-Level
3-5 years
$57.6K
$28/hr median equivalent
$52.0K - $74.5K
Senior
6-10 years
$74.5K
$28/hr median equivalent
$57.6K - $87.6K
Lead / Principal
10+ years
$87.6K
$28/hr median equivalent
$74.5K - $107K
LevelExperienceProjected SalaryProjected RangeMarket Signal
Entry-Level Solar Energy Installation Manager0-2 years$51,984.0$41,438.0 - $57,602.0-34% vs U.S.
Mid-Level Solar Energy Installation Manager3-5 years$57,602.0$51,984.0 - $74,513.0-27% vs U.S.
Senior Solar Energy Installation Manager6-10 years$74,513.0$57,602.0 - $87,562.0-5% vs U.S.
Lead / Principal Solar Energy Installation Manager10+ years$87,562.0$74,513.0 - $106,826+11% vs U.S.
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Best Salary Areas Near Las Cruces, NM

Nearby metro areas help show how Solar Energy Installation Manager pay changes around Las Cruces, NM. Each market reflects its own employer mix, local demand, and industry concentration, making these comparisons useful for candidates weighing their location options.

#1
Las Cruces, NM
$57.6K
avg / year
Salary estimates are based on data from the Las Cruces, Nm metropolitan area.
This guide
#2
Farmington, NM
$77.0K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Solar Energy Installation Manager salaries around Las Cruces, NM.
+34% vs U.S.
#3
Albuquerque, NM
$73.8K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Solar Energy Installation Manager salaries around Las Cruces, NM.
+28% vs U.S.
#4
Santa Fe, NM
$63.3K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Solar Energy Installation Manager salaries around Las Cruces, NM.
+10% vs U.S.
#5
Albuquerque, NM
$68.4K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Solar Energy Installation Manager salaries around Las Cruces, NM.
+19% vs U.S.

Solar Energy Installation Manager Salary by Industry in Las Cruces, NM

Industry premiums in Las Cruces, NM usually come from employers that place the Solar Energy Installation Manager role close to revenue, infrastructure, compliance, product delivery, or other high-value work. National industry data gives the best available benchmark until local industry slices are available.

IndustryModeled SalaryReference RangeSignal
Utilities$104,060$61,970.0 - $143,170Stronger salary
Finance and Insurance$103,860$53,360.0 - $141,170Stronger salary
Management of Companies and Enterprises$98,770.0$60,620.0 - $169,530Stronger salary
Transportation and Warehousing$96,710.0$58,650.0 - $126,260Competitive
Information$92,370.0$61,910.0 - $127,260Competitive
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction$89,990.0$52,290.0 - $142,690Competitive
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services$82,580.0$53,940.0 - $135,230Competitive
Educational Services$80,860.0$54,210.0 - $119,500Competitive

Entry-Level Solar Energy Installation Manager Salary in Las Cruces, NM

Entry-level Solar Energy Installation Manager jobs in Las Cruces, NM are modeled around the lower local wage percentiles. Candidates who can show practical projects, job-ready tools, and strong fundamentals usually have a better path into the middle of the local salary range.

For a broader starting-pay benchmark beyond this city market, see the entry-level Solar Energy Installation Manager salary guide.

Entry estimateA reasonable entry-level salary benchmark for Solar Energy Installation Manager roles in Las Cruces, NM is about $51,984.0.
Preparation pathJob Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed. Typical education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Training signal: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Remote vs Onsite Solar Energy Installation Manager Pay in Las Cruces, NM

Remote work can widen the employer pool for Solar Energy Installation Manager candidates in Las Cruces, NM. Onsite and hybrid roles may still pay more when employers need local availability, local clients, regulated work, or team coverage.

Local Onsite Role
$57,602.0
avg local employer
Hybrid Role
$58,754.0
modeled local premium
+2% local avg
Work TypeEstimated SalaryExperienceBest FitFlexibility
Remote$56,450.0Market dependentNational hiring poolsHigh
Hybrid$58,754.0Metro dependentLas Cruces, NM employersMedium
Onsite$57,602.0Location dependentLocal teams and operationsLower

Cost of Living vs Salary in Las Cruces, NM

A salary in Las Cruces, NM should be read alongside housing, commuting, tax, and everyday costs. The same annual pay can feel very different at entry, mid-level, and senior levels.

Monthly Expense
Entry
Mid
Senior
Housing / rent
$768.0
$1.1K
$1.3K
Transport / commute
$168.0
$192.0
$216.0
Food and groceries
$360.0
$384.0
$432.0
Utilities and internet
$168.0
$192.0
$216.0
Estimated remainder
$1.6K
$2.5K
$3.1K
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Top Employers Hiring Solar Energy Installation Managers in Las Cruces, NM

Employer mix is one of the biggest city-level salary drivers. The industries below highlight where Solar Energy Installation Manager pay tends to be strongest in Las Cruces, NM, based on the sectors that create the most hiring demand for this role.

1
Utilities employers
$104K
Industry benchmark for Solar Energy Installation Manager roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
2
Finance and Insurance employers
$104K
Industry benchmark for Solar Energy Installation Manager roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
3
Management of Companies and Enterprises employers
$98.8K
Industry benchmark for Solar Energy Installation Manager roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
4
Transportation and Warehousing employers
$96.7K
Industry benchmark for Solar Energy Installation Manager roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
5
Information employers
$92.4K
Industry benchmark for Solar Energy Installation Manager roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
6
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction employers
$90.0K
Industry benchmark for Solar Energy Installation Manager roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.

Las Cruces, NM Compared With Other U.S. Cities

This comparison is useful when one city salary number is not enough on its own. It shows whetherLas Cruces, NM is genuinely a stronger-paying market for Solar Energy Installation Manager work or whether the local benchmark sits closer to the broader national middle.

Las Cruces, NM
This guide
$57.6K
Baseline
Farmington, NM
Nearby U.S. market
$77.0K
+34% vs U.S.
Albuquerque, NM
Nearby U.S. market
$73.8K
+28% vs U.S.
Santa Fe, NM
Nearby U.S. market
$63.3K
+10% vs U.S.
Albuquerque, NM
Nearby U.S. market
$68.4K
+19% vs U.S.
Farmington, NM
Nearby U.S. market
$63.2K
+10% vs U.S.
Santa Fe, NM
Nearby U.S. market
$61.6K
+7% vs U.S.

Career Growth Opportunities in Las Cruces, NM

Local career growth is strongest when it is read through both the city salary ladder and the broader national demand outlook. The city salary benchmark shows what this market currently pays, while the career path and BLS demand data show how that benchmark can expand with scope and responsibility.

1
Intern / Trainee
$45.6K - $61.4K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
2
Junior
$56.7K - $74.8K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
3
Mid Level
$70.8K - $88.1K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
4
Senior
$85.0K - $110K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
5
Lead
$101K - $128K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
6
Principal / Architect
$118K - $161K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
BLS Demand SignalEmployment is projected to change by 5.3% from 2024 to 2034.
Faster than averageAnnual openings: 74.4 thousand.
Metric2026 Outlook
Projected employment921.6k → 970.6k
Typical educationMost occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Related experiencePrevious work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Local market anchor370 jobs with a median of $57,602.0

Factors Affecting Solar Energy Installation Manager Salary in Las Cruces, NM

Local pay rarely moves for one reason alone. In city markets, the biggest differences usually come from employer concentration, industry mix, seniority, and whether the role is tied to business-critical work that is harder to staff.

Years of Experience
Salary usually rises as the role moves from entry-level execution to independent ownership, mentoring, and broader decision-making.
Location and Cost of Living
Local salary ranges vary by labor market, employer density, and household-income context.
Industry
Industry pay can vary when employers in higher-margin or harder-to-staff sectors compete for the same occupation.
Specialized Skills
O*NET marks high-demand role-specific skills as relevant skills for this role, making them useful anchors for specialization and salary-growth content.

How to Increase Your Solar Energy Installation Manager Salary in Las Cruces, NM

In city markets, salary growth often comes from better positioning as much as from patience. These moves are most useful when you already understand the local benchmark and want a clearer path beyond it.

1
Benchmark against stronger markets
Compare national, metro, and industry salary facts before negotiating so your target range is grounded in current wage data.
1-3 months timeline
2
Build a visible specialization
Prioritize skills such as high-demand role-specific skills; O*NET relevance scores make these good first candidates for portfolio and resume positioning.
3-9 months timeline
3
Target higher-paying industries
Use industry salary facts to identify sectors that already pay above the occupation baseline.
2-6 months timeline
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Solar Energy Installation Manager Salary in Las Cruces, NM: FAQs

These questions usually come up after readers compare the city benchmark, the statewide picture, and the local experience ladder. They help clarify how to read the market and what matters most when you compare this city with other options.

These FAQs focus on how readers searching for "Solar Energy Installation Manager" usually compare local pay, employer mix, and market differences in this city.

What is the average Solar Energy Installation Manager in Las Cruces, NMs salary?
The latest national baseline for Solar Energy Installation Managers is about $78,700 per year, based on the current BLS-derived salary facts in CareerClev.
What is the entry-level Solar Energy Installation Manager in Las Cruces, NMs salary?
Entry-level estimates for Solar Energy Installation Managers are modeled around the lower BLS percentile range, currently about $51,300 per year nationally.
How much can senior Solar Energy Installation Manager in Las Cruces, NMs professionals earn?
Senior Solar Energy Installation Managers estimates are modeled from upper percentile wage bands and currently sit around $100,200 per year nationally.
Does location affect Solar Energy Installation Manager in Las Cruces, NMs salary?
Yes. CareerClev stores salary facts by national, state, and metro locations, so location-specific pages should use the closest available geography instead of a single national number.
Which skills matter for Solar Energy Installation Manager in Las Cruces, NMs salary growth?
CareerClev uses O*NET skill importance and level scores to identify role-relevant skills. These are useful for recommendations, but should not be presented as measured salary premiums unless enriched compensation data exists.
Data
Data Sources & MethodologyUpdated using 2024 BLS OEWS salary facts, O*NET occupation-skill data, Census location context where available, ILOSTAT country benchmarks where mapped, BLS Employment Projections where imported, and Stack Overflow Developer Survey enrichment for mapped tech roles.
Salary figures use BLS OEWS wage facts for 2024. City pages use the BLS metropolitan area as the salary dataset, display the largest city as the public page name, and model experience bands from local wage percentiles.
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