Healthcare Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Registered Nurse Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median registered nurse salary in Albuquerque, NM is $75,535 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$75,535
vs State Avg
+$1,625
vs National
$-5,685
Cost of Living
95%

Registered Nurse Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median registered nurse salary of $75,535, which is $1,625 above the New Mexico state average of $73,910. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Albuquerque pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Albuquerque's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for registered nurses in Albuquerque spans from $53,382 at the 10th percentile to $112,344 at the 90th percentile — a $58,962 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,940, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $106,950. As a major metro area with a population of 564,559, Albuquerque typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Registered Nurse Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $53,940, while experienced professionals earn up to $106,950 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,940
$-4,060 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,260
$-5,740 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$106,950
$-8,050 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $53,382
25th Percentile $62,124
Median (50th) $75,535
75th Percentile $94,023
90th Percentile $112,344

Registered Nurse Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$87,718
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$73,098
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$69,849
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$64,976
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Albuquerque

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Albuquerque and the surrounding New Mexico area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Albuquerque may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open registered nurse positions in Albuquerque, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $75,535 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $53,382 (10th percentile) to $112,344 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,535, a registered nurse in Albuquerque earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median registered nurse salary of $75,535 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $73,910. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
Albuquerque has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $75,535 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Albuquerque? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Albuquerque require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.