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New Mexico · NM

NICU Nurse salary in New Mexico

A nicu nurse in New Mexico earns an estimated $101,940 a year ($49.01/hr) — about 5% below the U.S. average, with most between $83,940 and $117,410. State figures are estimates based on national pay for the role and local cost of living — a starting point, not a guaranteed local wage.

NICU Nurse — New Mexico

Specialty estimate

Median annual pay

$101,940

-5% vs national

Hourly

$49.01/hr

Median $101,940
$72,040$143,660
Typical range
$83,940–$117,410
What most nurses earn
High end
$143,660
Top earners
Entry level
$72,040
Newer nurses

NICU Nurse pay by city in New Mexico

Estimated pay in the state's largest metro areas.

CityEst. annualEst. hourly
Albuquerque$103,010$49.52
All New Mexico nurse pay

Other nursing roles in New Mexico

Compare estimated pay for related roles in this state.

What affects nicu nurse pay in New Mexico

Pay slightly below the national median. For a nicu nurse specifically, pay is shaped by the metro labor market, hospital vs clinic vs long-term-care setting, union presence, shift differentials, unit acuity, and years of experience. Certifications and a move into charge or advanced-practice roles raise pay further. Use the calculator to estimate your own.

How this estimate was calculated

The New Mexico figure adjusts the national RN average of $107,310 for local pay levels — a factor of 0.95× (about 5% below the U.S. average). It is a starting point — not an official New Mexico wage — until verified local figures and nurse submissions are loaded.

Local pay can vary well beyond this by specialty, shift, union status, employer type, overtime, and care setting. When official state wage data is loaded, this number updates to a verified value automatically.

Use this state estimate as a starting point

  • It’s a starting point for New Mexico, based on national pay and local cost of living until official state data is loaded — not a guaranteed local wage.
  • 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 New Mexico make this page more precise over time.

NICU Nurse salary in New Mexico — FAQ

How much does a nicu nurse make in New Mexico?
A nicu nurse in New Mexico earns an estimated $101,940 a year — about $49.01 an hour, with most between $83,940 and $117,410. That's about 5% below the national average. This is an estimate based on national pay for the role and New Mexico's local pay level, not a guaranteed local wage.
Is New Mexico a good state for nicu nurses?
For pay, New Mexico sits about 5% below the national average for nicu nurses. A higher number often comes with a higher cost of living, so weigh the estimated $101,940 against local housing and expenses rather than the headline figure alone.
Which city in New Mexico pays nicu nurses the most?
Among New Mexico metros we track, Albuquerque tends to have the highest estimated pay for nicu nurses, at roughly $103,010 a year. City figures are estimates based on the role's national pay and local cost of living.
How does New Mexico nicu nurse pay compare to the national average?
The national estimate for a nicu nurse is about $107,310 a year, versus an estimated $101,940 in New Mexico — about 5% below the national average. Use the calculator to factor in your experience, specialty, and shift.
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 & confidenceAn estimate for a specialty that public pay data does not list on its own. A ballpark to start from, not an exact figure.

Modeled estimate (BLS national × state wage index)

New Mexico figures are estimated by adjusting the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS national median for local pay levels (a state adjustment of 0.95×).

Source year 2025. Last reviewed July 3, 2026. Full methodology

Estimated figure — national nicu nurse pay adjusted for New Mexico. Last reviewed July 3, 2026.