Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Albuquerque
A licensed practical nurse in the Albuquerque, NM area earns an estimated $57,370 a year ($27.58/hr) — about 11% below the U.S. average, with most between $39,370 and $72,920. City figures are estimates based on national pay for the role and local cost of living — a starting point, not a guaranteed local wage.
Licensed Practical Nurse — Albuquerque, NM
Verified public wage dataMedian annual pay
$57,370
-11% vs nationalHourly
$27.58/hr
- Typical range
- $39,370–$72,920
- What most nurses earn
- High end
- $77,400
- Top earners
- Entry level
- $38,100
- Newer nurses
Other nursing roles in Albuquerque
Compare estimated pay for related roles in this metro.
What affects licensed practical nurse pay in Albuquerque
Largest New Mexico metro. For a licensed practical nurse, local pay also reflects the concentration of major hospital systems and academic medical centers, union contracts, shift differentials, unit acuity, and how competitive staffing is. Nights, weekends, and critical-care specialties typically add to base pay. Use the calculator to estimate your own.
Where this figure comes from
This is the actual median wage reported for Albuquerque, NM in official U.S. government wage data — about 11% below the U.S. average. It is measured from employer-reported payroll, not estimated from a national average.
In Albuquerque, NM, the lowest-paid 10% earn about $38,100 and the highest-paid 10% about $77,400. Where you land depends on specialty, shift, overtime, union status, employer type, and years of experience.
Source year: 2025. Updated when new official wage data is published.
How to use this metro figure
- It’s the median actually reported for Albuquerque — half of nurses earn more, half earn less. A midpoint, not an offer you’re guaranteed.
- Your actual pay shifts with role and specialty, care setting, shift, overtime, union status, and years of experience — so compare a role-specific page and personalize the calculator.
- Reviewed salary submissions from nurses in Albuquerque make this page more precise over time.
Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Albuquerque — FAQ
- How much does a licensed practical nurse make in Albuquerque?
- A licensed practical nurse in the Albuquerque, NM area earns an estimated $57,370 a year — about $27.58 an hour, with most between $39,370 and $72,920. That's about 11% below the national average. This is an estimate based on the role's national pay and Albuquerque's local pay level, not a guaranteed local wage.
- Is Albuquerque a good place for licensed practical nurses?
- On pay, Albuquerque runs about 11% below the national average for licensed practical nurses. Big-city wages are often offset by a higher cost of living, so weigh the estimated $57,370 against local housing and expenses.
- How does Albuquerque licensed practical nurse pay compare to New Mexico overall?
- Statewide, New Mexico licensed practical nurses earn an estimated $59,330 a year, versus about $57,370 in Albuquerque. Metro pay can run above or below the state figure depending on hospital concentration and local demand.
- Why are some figures verified and others estimates?
- National pay for the main nursing roles — registered nurses, LPNs/LVNs, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, nurse midwives, and nursing assistants — comes from verified public wage data. State, city, and specialty figures that aren't reported on their own start from that national pay and are labeled "Estimated" or "Specialty estimate." We never show an estimate as a verified figure.
Source & confidence— A verified figure from official U.S. public wage data.
BLS OEWS (May 2025, metro)
Albuquerque, NM figures are published directly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for Albuquerque, NM (May 2025). They are not estimated or adjusted.
Source year 2025. Last reviewed July 17, 2026. Full methodology
Estimated figure — national licensed practical nurse pay adjusted for Albuquerque. Last reviewed July 17, 2026.