Farmington vs Las Cruces: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Farmington, NM and Las Cruces, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Farmington, NM | Las Cruces, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,950▲ | $39,831 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.17▲ | $19.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,445▲ | $32,344 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,502▲ | $38,329 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,010▲ | $46,647 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $54,283▲ | $48,010 |
| Total Employed | 330 | 390▲ |
Verdict
Farmington, NM offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Las Cruces.
The salary gap between Farmington and Las Cruces is $2,119 (5.32%). Farmington's median is -6.79% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Farmington spans $16,838,Las Cruces spans $15,666. Farmington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Farmington ($47,830 effective) pays 8.33% more than Las Cruces ($44,153 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Farmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,950/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($54,283)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,830)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Larger job market (390 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Farmington grew 32.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 43.9% growth in Las Cruces over the same period.
Farmington, NM
$29,670 (2019) → $39,390 (2025)
Las Cruces, NM
$25,990 (2019) → $37,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Farmington, NM
Las Cruces, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Farmington or Las Cruces?
What is the hourly rate difference between Farmington and Las Cruces?
Should I relocate from Farmington to Las Cruces as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Farmington vs Las Cruces?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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