Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Las Cruces, NM: $19.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Las Cruces, NM runs $19.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,831 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Las Cruces's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.2, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,898 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Las Cruces, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected to be $19.15 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national average of $21.64. This hourly rate translates into various work opportunities across settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health environments. For those opting for part-time schedules, such as three days a week, the income from this hourly rate allows for a comfortable living, although it may limit savings. Entry-level positions start at around $15.55 per hour, while top earners in the field may command rates as high as $23.08. This wide range reflects the diverse experience levels and roles that certified nursing assistants take on throughout Las Cruces, making the BLS estimates vital for understanding competitive compensation.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.55 | $124.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.42 | $147.40 |
| Median (P50) | $19.15 | $153.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.43 | $179.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.08 | $184.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Las Cruces
Based on $19.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.15/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Las Cruces, NM can expect to earn approximately $39,829 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,978. With a cost-of-living index of 90.21 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Las Cruces.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Las Cruces
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $765.95 | $3,319 | $39,829 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $459.57 | $1,991 | $23,898 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $306.38 | $1,328 | $15,932 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Las Cruces) | $19.15 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Psychiatric Aide (National Avg) | $18.50 |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Las Cruces, NM earn a median of $39,831 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.50% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 6.20% below the New Mexico state average of $42,464.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.15/hr = $23,898/year (purchasing power: $26,490).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,829/year (purchasing power: $44,151).
CoL index: 90.212 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+63.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Las Cruces (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Las Cruces grew 43.8% from $12.50/hr (2019) to $17.98/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.39/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem certified nursing assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Las Cruces 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.
Working as an Hourly Certified Nursing Assistant in Las Cruces
When considering the financial realities of part-time work, a certified nursing assistant working three days a week—approximately 24 hours—can anticipate earning around $22,592 annually. In contrast, full-time CNAs will significantly increase their earnings, underscoring the trade-offs between hours worked and total income. Many certified nursing assistants in Las Cruces also explore per diem opportunities, where agency rates can range significantly. Per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Las Cruces often varies, with agencies charging between $22-$32 per hour and premium weekend contracts even reaching up to $30-$45 per hour in areas experiencing staffing shortages. The market for travel CNAs, although less common than nursing roles due to post-COVID changes, can garner pay between $1,000 and $1,800 weekly. Furthermore, wages differ between employer types; hospitals and hospice care often provide slightly higher compensation compared to assisted living communities or home health agencies. It's worth considering that many CNAs might choose positions that offer benefits despite lower hourly rates, balancing immediate pay with long-term security. Negotiating effectively within Las Cruces may involve demonstrating experience and flexibility regarding hours and availability, which can enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Las Cruces, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Las Cruces in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Las Cruces?
Are certified nursing assistants in Las Cruces paid hourly or salary?
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Do certified nursing assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Las Cruces?
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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
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 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for certified nursing assistants in Las Cruces. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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