Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Carlsbad, NM: $40,284 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Carlsbad, NM earns a median $40,284/year (≈ $19.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Carlsbad's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $42,674 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Carlsbad, NM, is projected to be a median of $40,284. This figure highlights a significant opportunity for those in or considering the role, especially when compared to the national median of $45,007, which reflects a percentage difference that may impact career decision-making for local candidates. Salaries in Carlsbad range from $33,500 at the 10th percentile to $47,347 at the 90th percentile, indicative of various levels of experience and specialization among CNAs in the region. These estimates are drawn from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions, which supports an array of employment paths that certified nursing assistants can pursue as they consider advancing to roles as licensed practical nurses or registered nurses.
About the Carlsbad Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,500 | $16.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,990 | $17.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,284 | $19.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44,071 | $21.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47,347 | $22.76 |
Median Salary Position
10.49% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carlsbad
In Carlsbad, NM, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $13,847 (2026 est.). At $40,284, the local median is 10.49% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carlsbad: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carlsbad Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Carlsbad median: $40,284/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carlsbad Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $42,493 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -10.49% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Carlsbad, NM earn a median of $40,284 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.49% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 5.20% below the New Mexico state average of $42,493.
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 certified nursing assistant earning $40,284 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,674 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,547
2025 BLS Actual
$37,825
2026 Current Est.
$40,284
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Carlsbad (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,547 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,612 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,129 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,007 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,191 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,222 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,825 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,284 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,902 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carlsbad metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $26,547 (2019) to $37,825 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,902 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,355 (61.61%) 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 6.50% 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) | $33,500 – $35,990 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,990 – $40,284 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,284 – $44,071 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $44,071 – $47,347 |
CNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual certified nursing assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Certified Nursing Assistant Job Market in Carlsbad
As the local job market for certified nursing assistants remains relatively stable, with only seven employed CNAs in the area, understanding the compensation dynamics is essential for prospective workers. Carlsbad also has a cost-of-living index of 94.4, suggesting that the purchasing power of CNAs is somewhat enhanced despite the lower local wages compared to national averages. In this community, high-paying opportunities typically lie within skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, which often offer shift differentials and premium pay for weekend roles that can be as high as $2-4/hr. This creates a wide pay spectrum influenced by factors such as agency staffing premiums during shortages and additional stipends for certifications like CMA. For CNAs aiming to maximize their earnings in Carlsbad, pursuing weekend-only shifts or seeking opportunities in high-acuity care settings can be effective strategies to enhance their overall compensation.
More salary data for Carlsbad, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Carlsbad?
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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
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 $37,825 for certified nursing assistantsin the Carlsbad metropolitan area. A 6.50% 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 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