Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in South Valley, NM: $41,144 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in South Valley, NM earns a median $41,144/year (≈ $19.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in South Valley's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $43,585 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Valley, NM, working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) offers a median annual salary of $41,144, which is notably lower than the national median of $45,007. The salary range for certified nursing assistants in the area spans from $32,412 at the 10th percentile to $49,923 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse employment opportunities available. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026 and adjusted for regional price parities, highlight the structured differences in earnings that can be found in skilled nursing facilities compared to hospitals. With a growing demand for CNAs driven by ongoing staffing needs, South Valley's job market is seeing a relatively stable employment scenario, making it an important regional site for aspiring nursing professionals.
About the South Valley Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,412 | $15.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,805 | $18.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,144 | $19.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46,089 | $22.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49,923 | $24.01 |
Median Salary Position
8.58% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Valley
In South Valley, NM, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,511 (2026 est.). At $41,144, the local median is 8.58% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Valley: You'd be above the median
How South Valley Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
South Valley median: $41,144/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Valley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $42,504 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -8.58% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in South Valley, NM earn a median of $41,144 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.58% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.20% below the New Mexico state average of $42,504.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Valley has a cost of living 5.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Valley, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $41,144 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,585 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$27,114
2025 BLS Actual
$38,633
2026 Current Est.
$41,144
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in South Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,114 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,202 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,709 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,691 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,921 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,910 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,633 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,144 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,819 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Valley metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $27,114 (2019) to $38,633 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,819 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,705 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Valley metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 6.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $32,412 – $37,805 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,805 – $41,144 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,144 – $46,089 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $46,089 – $49,923 |
CNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual certified nursing assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Certified Nursing Assistant Job Market in South Valley
The local market is characterized by a modest workforce of six certified nursing assistants, emphasizing the role of supply and demand in determining pay scales. South Valley’s cost of living index stands at 94.4, which provides a slightly favorable environment for take-home purchasing power despite lower wages compared to national averages. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies typically offer the most competitive compensation. Pay variability can also be influenced by factors like shift differentials, where night shifts may pay an additional $2-4/hour, and weekend shifts tend to carry premiums of $1-3. Additionally, opportunities for agency work can lead to higher pay during staffing shortages. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing certifications and considering positions that offer weekend-only roles or working during peak demand periods can be beneficial strategies in the South Valley market.
More salary data for South Valley, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $38,633 for certified nursing assistantsin the South Valley metropolitan area. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Valley is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for certified nursing assistants (SOC 31-1131).
Compiled and verified by Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov