Nursing Assistant salary in Albuquerque, NM
Nursing Assistants in the Albuquerque, NM metro area earn a median of $39,950 a year ($19.21 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,110 workers.
Pay ranges from $35,240 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,000 for the top 10%. That is 5% lower than the national median of $42,260. Pay here is 1% higher than the New Mexico statewide median of $39,390. There are 5.2 nursing assistants per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.56). The average (mean) salary is $41,980, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for nursing assistants in Albuquerque, NM
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,240 | $16.94 |
| 25th percentile | $38,410 | $18.47 |
| Median | $39,950 | $19.21 |
| 75th percentile | $45,410 | $21.83 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $49,000 | $23.56 |
| Average (mean) | $41,980 | $20.18 |
Half of nursing assistants 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 | $3,329.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,664.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,536.54 |
| Weekly | $768.27 |
| Hourly | $19.21 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $39,950 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.
Nursing Assistant salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe, NM | $46,530 | 410 |
| Farmington, NM | $39,390 | 330 |
| Las Cruces, NM | $37,400 | 390 |
Highest-paying states for nursing assistants
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $49,830 |
| Washington | $49,180 |
| New York | $48,590 |
| New Hampshire | $47,870 |
| District of Columbia | $47,700 |
| California | $47,630 |
| Colorado | $47,380 |
| Vermont | $47,130 |
| Maine | $47,070 |
| New Jersey | $46,830 |
See Nursing Assistant pay in every state or the New Mexico statewide figures.
Related jobs in Albuquerque, NM
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $30,170 | $14.51 |
| Orderly | $37,650 | $18.10 |
| Medical Assistant | $39,200 | $18.84 |
| Dental Assistant | $44,810 | $21.54 |
| Phlebotomist | $44,720 | $21.50 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $59,620 | $28.66 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $37,870 | $18.21 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $53,850 | $25.89 |
| Massage Therapist | $36,440 | $17.52 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $36,820 | $17.70 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $74,380 | $35.76 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $37,480 | $18.02 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $38,630 | $18.57 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Albuquerque, NM
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-1131. 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 nursing assistant make in Albuquerque, NM?
The median salary for nursing assistants in the Albuquerque, NM metro area is $39,950 a year, or $19.21 an hour. Pay ranges from $35,240 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,000 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid nursing assistants make in Albuquerque, NM?
The top 10% of nursing assistants in the Albuquerque, NM metro area earn at least $49,000 a year. The top 25% earn $45,410 or more.
What is the starting pay for nursing assistants in Albuquerque, NM?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $35,240 a year, and a quarter of nursing assistants earn $38,410 or less.
How many nursing assistants work in Albuquerque, NM?
About 2,110 nursing assistants are employed in the Albuquerque, NM metro area, not counting the self-employed.