Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in South Valley, NM: $19.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in South Valley, NM runs $19.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,144 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against South Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,682 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Valley, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is pegged at a median rate of $19.78, which falls below the national average of $21.64. This particular figure is crucial for individuals considering working part-time or on a per diem basis, as many CNAs operate in environments such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health care. At this hourly rate, a CNA working three days a week would earn approximately $1,588 monthly before taxes, providing an essential source of income while offering flexibility. For those starting in the field, entry-level positions can expect to make around $15.58, with seasoned professionals or those in specialized roles potentially earning up to $24.01 per hour as they gain experience and further their careers in South Valley.
About the South Valley Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.58 | $124.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.18 | $145.44 |
| Median (P50) | $19.78 | $158.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.16 | $177.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.01 | $192.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Valley
Based on $19.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.78/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Valley, NM can expect to earn approximately $41,136 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,732. 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) | $791.08 | $3,428 | $41,136 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $474.65 | $2,057 | $24,682 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $316.43 | $1,371 | $16,455 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (South Valley) | $19.78 |
| 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 South Valley, NM earn a median of $41,144 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.58% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 3.20% below the New Mexico state average of $42,504.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.78/hr = $24,682/year (purchasing power: $26,146).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,136/year (purchasing power: $43,577).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in South Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in South Valley grew 42.5% from $13.03/hr (2019) to $18.57/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.06/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 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 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 South Valley
For part-time certified nursing assistants, those working 24 hours a week can expect to take home about $20,000 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts. On the other hand, per diem certified nursing assistant pay in South Valley varies widely, with agency CNAs often billed at rates ranging from $22 to $32 per hour, and weekend-only contracts sometimes offering premiums of $30 to $45 per hour in markets facing staff shortages. Employment settings greatly influence hourly wages; while skilled nursing facilities might offer competitive rates, hospitals, home health agencies, and hospice care may provide varying compensation depending on the demands of the healthcare environment, including the need for shift differentials. For many CNAs, the trade-off between higher hourly wages without benefits and lower rates with health insurance coverage is an ongoing consideration. Negotiating effectively can lead to better pay; potential candidates should be prepared to discuss shift preferences and express flexibility to maximize their earning potential, especially in a market recovering from the impacts of COVID-19.
More salary data for South Valley, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in South Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in South Valley?
Are certified nursing assistants in South Valley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time certified nursing assistant make per year in South Valley?
Do certified nursing assistants earn more per hour working part-time in South Valley?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Mexico
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 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 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