Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Rio Rancho, NM: $43,730 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Rio Rancho, NM earns a median $43,730/year (≈ $21.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Rio Rancho's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $46,324 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% above the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Rio Rancho, NM is projected to reach a median annual figure of $43,730, which is slightly below the national median of $45,007. The salary range here runs from $34,007 at the 10th percentile to $54,924 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a wide span of earnings potential within the profession. These estimates reflect a post-COVID context where wages have stabilized on a new floor after significant increases in the past years, driven by a challenging labor market. For CNAs seeking employment in this region, understanding these figures is crucial for navigating their career options, especially when considering local market dynamics.
About the Rio Rancho Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,007 | $16.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,663 | $18.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,730 | $21.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,580 | $23.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54,924 | $26.40 |
Median Salary Position
2.84% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rio Rancho
In Rio Rancho, NM, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,917 (2026 est.). At $43,730, the local median is 2.84% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rio Rancho: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rio Rancho Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Rio Rancho median: $43,730/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rio Rancho Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $42,498 | +2.90% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | -2.84% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Rio Rancho, NM earn a median of $43,730 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.84% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 2.90% above the New Mexico state average of $42,498.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rio Rancho 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.
Rio Rancho, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $43,730 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,324 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$28,818
2025 BLS Actual
$41,061
2026 Current Est.
$43,730
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Rio Rancho (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,818 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,975 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,450 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,745 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,116 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,979 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,061 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,730 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,572 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rio Rancho metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $28,818 (2019) to $41,061 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,572 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,754 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rio Rancho 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) | $34,007 – $37,663 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,663 – $43,730 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,730 – $49,580 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,580 – $54,924 |
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 Rio Rancho
With 16 certified nursing assistants employed in the area, Rio Rancho's job market remains stable, although it operates within a cost-of-living index of 94.4, indicating that living expenses are below average compared to the national benchmark. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies typically offer competitive pay, especially those providing night shifts or weekend positions, which can add an additional $1-4 per hour. The disparity in wages can also be influenced by staffing shortages, leading to premium pay opportunities through agency work or positions requiring additional certifications, such as CMA. Prospective CNAs in Rio Rancho would benefit from seeking out these high-demand shifts and considering pathways to advance in their careers, as many eventually transition into LPN or RN roles.
More salary data for Rio Rancho, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Rio Rancho, NM in 2026?
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Rio Rancho?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted certified nursing assistant salary in Rio Rancho?
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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 $41,061 for certified nursing assistantsin the Rio Rancho 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 Rio Rancho 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