Registered nurse salary in New Mexico

The median registered nurse in New Mexico earned $94,340 a year in 2025, $3,210 (3%) below the $97,550 national median. That ranks 24th of 51 states.

Median yearly pay
$94,340
Average yearly pay
$95,290
Employed in New Mexico
17,980

How New Mexico compares

  • California highest state$140,270
  • United States national median$97,550
  • New Mexico 24th of 51$94,340
  • Middle state median of state medians$93,600
  • Alabama lowest state$77,080

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates. Pay is before tax and does not adjust for cost of living, which is higher in some states than others.

Nursing pay in New Mexico

Median pay by nursing role in New Mexico
RoleMedian yearly payEmployed
Registered nurse$94,34017,980
LPN or LVN$59,3302,460
Nurse practitioner$137,5201,770

A nurse practitioner in New Mexico earns a median $43,180 more than a registered nurse ($137,520 against $94,340). A registered nurse earns a median $35,010 more than an LPN or LVN here ($94,340 against $59,330).

Next steps

Common questions

How much does a registered nurse make in New Mexico?

The median is $94,340 a year, according to BLS data for May 2025. Half of registered nurses in New Mexico earn more and half earn less.

Is New Mexico a high-paying state for registered nurses?

New Mexico ranks 24th of 51 states on median pay for this job. The national median is $97,550, so New Mexico pays 3% below it. The highest median is $140,270 in California.

How many registered nurses work in New Mexico?

BLS counted 17,980 registered nurses employed in New Mexico in May 2025.

Why is the average different from the median?

The median is the middle wage: half of workers earn less. The average adds every wage and divides, so a few very high earners pull it up. In New Mexico the average is $95,290, $950 above the median.

What do you need to work as a registered nurse in New Mexico?

New Mexico requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a passing NCLEX-RN score, and a state license.