Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in South Valley, NM: $29.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in South Valley, NM runs $29.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,229 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against South Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,332 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Valley, NM, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay is projected to reach $29.91 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $32.73. This discrepancy can impact part-time and per-diem workers, who typically operate in diverse settings such as skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and physician's offices. A part-time LPN working three days a week may find their financial stability influenced by their hourly rate, which ranges from $22.62 for entry-level roles to $38.21 for top earners in the area. With such a pay structure, the decision to pursue part-time or per-diem work can affect overall job satisfaction and career progression, making it essential for nurses to consider both immediate compensation and long-term benefits.
About the South Valley Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.62 | $180.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.54 | $228.31 |
| Median (P50) | $29.91 | $239.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.38 | $283.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.21 | $305.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Valley
Based on $29.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.91/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Valley, NM can expect to earn approximately $62,219 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,896. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,196.52 | $5,185 | $62,219 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $717.91 | $3,111 | $37,332 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $478.61 | $2,074 | $24,888 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (South Valley) | $29.91 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
Licensed Practical Nurses in South Valley, NM earn a median of $62,229 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.58% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 3.20% below the New Mexico state average of $64,286.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.91/hr = $37,332/year (purchasing power: $39,546).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,219/year (purchasing power: $65,910).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in South Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in South Valley grew 35.6% from $20.86/hr (2019) to $28.30/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.62/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in South Valley
The earning potential for a licensed practical nurse working part-time in South Valley can be quite lucrative. For example, a nurse working a typical 24-hour week could take home a significant portion annually, though those opting for per-diem positions often earn slightly higher hourly wages ranging from $28 to $42, especially when positioned in urgent staffing needs. Agency LPNs can command rates as high as $45 to $60 per hour in facilities struggling to maintain adequate staffing. However, hourly rates can vary considerably depending on employer types. While skilled nursing facilities and home health positions may offer lower hourly pay, they often provide benefits that more lucrative roles may not. Negotiating overtime, shifts, or even the potential for education reimbursement can enhance an LPN's overall compensation package. For practical nursing professionals in South Valley, understanding these dynamics is crucial for strategic career planning.
More salary data for South Valley, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in South Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in South Valley?
Are licensed practical nurses in South Valley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in South Valley?
Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in South Valley?
Related Pages
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for licensed practical nurses in South Valley. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov