Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in New Mexico — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Licensed Practical Nurses in New Mexico earn an average of $60,760 per year ($29.21/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 1,850 licensed practical nurses.
Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in New Mexico are below the national average by approximately $2,727. New Mexico has a state income tax rate of up to 5.9%.
New Mexico's rapid growth and warm climate drive year-round demand for licensed practical nurses.
New Mexico Licensed Practical Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in New Mexico after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. New Mexico has a state income tax rate of up to 5.9%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. New Mexico has a state income tax rate of up to 5.9%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — New Mexico Licensed Practical Nurse Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the New Mexico median of $60,760.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience — New Mexico
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Trend in New Mexico — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Datalicensed practical nurses pay in New Mexico has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the licensed practical nurse workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in New Mexico's healthcare and long-term care.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by City — New Mexico
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque | $67,450 | $32.43 | +11.0% | 647 |
| Las Cruces | $64,400 | $30.96 | +6.0% | 518 |
| Rio Rancho | $62,600 | $30.10 | +3.0% | 333 |
| Santa Fe | $58,350 | $28.05 | -4.0% | 166 |
| Roswell | $55,300 | $26.59 | -9.0% | 111 |
| Farmington | $52,850 | $25.41 | -13.0% | 74 |
Tip: Albuquerque offers the highest licensed practical nurse salaries in New Mexico at $67,450/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
New Mexico vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, New Mexico sits in the mid-range for licensed practical nurses.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. New Mexico has a state income tax rate of up to 5.9%.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Outlook in New Mexico
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for licensed practical nurses in New Mexico is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the New Mexico job market. New Mexico's rapid growth and warm climate drive year-round demand for licensed practical nurses.
How to Earn More as a Licensed Practical Nurse in New Mexico
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a licensed practical nurse in New Mexico typically adds $49,800 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Albuquerque pays licensed practical nurses $67,450/yr — +11.0% above the New Mexico average. Simply relocating within New Mexico can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Licensed Practical Nurses who specialise in healthcare and long-term care typically command premium rates in New Mexico. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Arizona pays licensed practical nurses $74,020/yr — 21.8% vs New Mexico.
Find Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs in New Mexico
Live ListingsSearch current licensed practical nurse job vacancies in New Mexico:
🔍 Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in New Mexico — Indeed→ 🔍 Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in New Mexico — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Licensed Practical Nurse jobs — Albuquerque, NM→