Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Gallup, NM: $39,501 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Gallup, NM earns a median $39,501/year (≈ $18.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Gallup's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $41,844 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.0% below the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Gallup, New Mexico, will see a median salary of $39,501, reflecting a competitive market for entry-level healthcare professionals. The salary range is expected to span from $34,849 at the 10th percentile to $45,853 at the 90th percentile, showing that there is room for advancement, especially as CNAs pursue further credentials or transition to LPN roles. These projections stem from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions. While the certified nursing assistant salary in Gallup is lower than the national average of $45,007, it is essential to understand the local job market's dynamics and opportunities available for growth.
About the Gallup Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,849 | $16.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,417 | $17.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,501 | $18.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43,912 | $21.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45,853 | $22.05 |
Median Salary Position
12.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gallup
In Gallup, NM, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $11,004 (2026 est.). At $39,501, the local median is 12.23% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gallup: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gallup Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Gallup median: $39,501/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gallup Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $42,474 | -7.00% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -12.23% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Gallup, NM earn a median of $39,501 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.23% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 7.00% below the New Mexico state average of $42,474.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gallup 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.
Gallup, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $39,501 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $41,844 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,031
2025 BLS Actual
$37,090
2026 Current Est.
$39,501
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Gallup (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,031 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,076 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,602 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,385 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,527 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,596 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,090 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,501 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,068 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gallup metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $26,031 (2019) to $37,090 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,068 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,037 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gallup 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) | $34,849 – $36,417 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,417 – $39,501 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,501 – $43,912 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $43,912 – $45,853 |
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 Gallup
The local job market for certified nursing assistants is relatively limited, with only four CNAs employed in the area. The cost of living index in Gallup is 94.4, indicating that housing and essential expenses are below the national average, which may enhance overall purchasing power despite lower salaries. Skilled nursing facilities and hospitals usually offer higher wages, particularly for positions in medical-surgical floors and critical care units. Pay variance can result from shift differentials, with nights typically receiving an additional $2-$4 per hour and weekends commanding premiums of $1-$3. Moreover, those who hold CMA certifications may qualify for additional stipends. As such, pursuing weekend-only roles or maximizing shifts during peak hours may be effective strategies for CNAs looking to increase their earnings in Gallup, NM.
More salary data for Gallup, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Gallup, NM in 2026?
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Gallup?
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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 $37,090 for certified nursing assistantsin the Gallup 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 Gallup 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