Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Carlsbad, NM: $60,928 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Carlsbad, NM earns a median $60,928/year (≈ $29.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Carlsbad's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $64,542 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurses in Carlsbad, NM can expect a median annual salary of $60,928, reflecting a competitive market for LPNs compared to the national average of $68,071. With an earnings range from $48,734 at the 10th percentile to $75,490 at the 90th percentile, variations in salary often correlate with factors such as experience, workplace setting, and additional qualifications. Shift differentials and weekend pay premiums contribute significantly to overall compensation, helping to enhance the financial viability of long-term care careers. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, highlight the nuanced salary landscape that LPNs navigate in Carlsbad.
About the Carlsbad Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,734 | $23.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,565 | $27.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,928 | $29.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,449 | $33.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,490 | $36.30 |
Median Salary Position
10.49% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carlsbad
In Carlsbad, NM, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,756 (2026 est.). At $60,928, the local median is 10.49% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carlsbad: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carlsbad Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Carlsbad median: $60,928/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carlsbad Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $64,270 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -10.49% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Carlsbad, NM earn a median of $60,928 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.49% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 5.20% below the New Mexico state average of $64,270.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carlsbad 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.
Carlsbad, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $60,928 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,542 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,498
2025 BLS Actual
$57,642
2026 Current Est.
$60,928
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Carlsbad (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,498 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,697 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,026 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,888 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,462 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,704 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,642 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,928 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,400 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carlsbad metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $42,498 (2019) to $57,642 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,400 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,902 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carlsbad 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $48,734 – $56,565 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,565 – $60,928 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,928 – $70,449 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,449 – $75,490 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Carlsbad
The local job market features only seven licensed practical nurses, indicating limited competition but also underscoring the importance of workplace choice for maximizing income potential. With a cost of living index at 94.4, residents in Carlsbad enjoy a more affordable lifestyle compared to the national average, which can positively influence take-home purchasing power. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and long-term care settings often offer the highest pay and can include additional benefits like IV therapy certification stipends and charge LPN positions. Those looking to increase their earnings should strategically consider working in facilities that emphasize shift differentials and are open to weekend and holiday staffing needs. Additionally, pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge pathways may further enhance career opportunities and salary potential in the competitive healthcare field.
More salary data for Carlsbad, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Carlsbad, NM in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Carlsbad?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted licensed practical nurse salary in Carlsbad?
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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
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 $57,642 for licensed practical nursesin the Carlsbad metropolitan area. A 5.70% 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 Carlsbad 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