Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in South Valley, NM: $62,229 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in South Valley, NM earns a median $62,229/year (≈ $29.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in South Valley's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $65,921 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, licensed practical nurses can expect to earn a median annual salary of $62,229 in 2026, which is approximately 8.58% lower than the national median salary of $68,071 for the same year. The salary range for LPNs in this area extends from $47,049 at the 10th percentile to $79,468 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diversity of compensation based on experience and workplace setting. These figures are derived from state-level data projections and incorporate regional price adjustments to provide a more accurate financial picture for aspiring LPNs in South Valley. The local demand for skilled nursing roles, particularly in long-term care facilities, can significantly influence salaries and job opportunities, making it essential for candidates to evaluate their employment options carefully.
About the South Valley Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,049 | $22.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,357 | $28.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,229 | $29.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,583 | $35.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79,468 | $38.21 |
Median Salary Position
8.58% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Valley
In South Valley, NM, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,419 (2026 est.). At $62,229, the local median is 8.58% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Valley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Valley Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
South Valley median: $62,229/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Valley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $64,286 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -8.58% less |
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.
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 licensed practical nurse earning $62,229 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,921 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,405
2025 BLS Actual
$58,873
2026 Current Est.
$62,229
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,405 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,630 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,944 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,932 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,604 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,851 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,873 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,229 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,776 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Valley metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $43,405 (2019) to $58,873 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,776 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,371 (51.54%) 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 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) | $47,049 – $59,357 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,357 – $62,229 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,229 – $73,583 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,583 – $79,468 |
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 South Valley
The local job market for licensed practical nurses in South Valley is modest, with only six LPNs currently employed in the area. The cost-of-living index, at 94.4, suggests that the purchasing power of salaries might be more favorable compared to higher-cost regions. Skilled nursing facilities generally offer better pay compared to home health agencies or physician offices, largely due to the higher demands of long-term patient care. Factors such as shift differentials, stipends for IV therapy certification, and premiums for working weekends or holidays can also affect pay disparities within the profession. To maximize earnings, LPNs in South Valley should consider positions in skilled nursing facilities or explore opportunities for specialized training, which can lead to higher-paying roles and enhanced career prospects.
More salary data for South Valley, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in South Valley, NM in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in South Valley?
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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 $58,873 for licensed practical nursesin the South Valley 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 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