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How Much Do Nurse Practitioners in New Mexico Earn?
The average nurse practitioner in the United States is approximately $128,490 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023) per year. In New Mexico, the number is only slightly higher, coming in at an average of $136,770 per year.
New Mexico Nurse Practitioner Salaries – Visualized
Nurse Practitioners Salaries in urban areas of New Mexico
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | 780 | $135,690 |
| Farmington, NM | 50 | $127,860 |
| Las Cruces, NM | 150 | $122,060 |
| Santa Fe, NM | 120 | $134,170 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023 |
Nurse Practitioners Salaries in rural areas of New Mexico
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area | 90 | $144,470 |
| Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area | 270 | $142,860 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023 |
Increasing Nurse Practitioner Salary in New Mexico
You might be surprised to learn that the national annual mean wage for nurse practitioners is $128,490. This is a bit lower than the mean wage in New Mexico, meaning you are likely doing better than nurse practitioners in other states. Fortunately, that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for growth. Instead, you can increase your nurse practitioner salary in New Mexico by following some tips. These tips will empower you during negotiations and help you become more attractive to current and potential employers. You can even use these tips to relocate to an area with higher-paying jobs.
Check Your Salary Against New Mexico’s Annual Mean Wage
It’s a good idea to know how your salary compares to the state’s annual mean wage when negotiating. If it’s on the low end, you can use that to your advantage when negotiating a new contract.
As reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean salary for nurse practitioners in New Mexico is $136,770. If you have yet to reach that number, use it as a starting point when negotiating with your current or a new employer.
Relocate to the Eastern New Mexico Nonmetropolitan Area
If you are able to do so, consider finding work in the Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area, where the annual mean wage is 13% higher. Only four nonmetropolitan areas in the United States pay higher wages, so you can increase your salary quickly by relocating. The area is vast, with numerous opportunities, and you won’t have to transfer your license to work here.
Get a DEA License
You can work as a nurse practitioner in New Mexico without a DEA license. However, you won’t have the authority to prescribe controlled substances without one, meaning your employer will likely pay you less. If you do not currently have a DEA license, consider getting one. You can find all the information you need on the Drug Enforcement Administration’s website.
Obtain a Post-graduate APRN Certificate
Versatility can help you obtain high-paying jobs in New Mexico. Thus, consider pursuing a post-graduate APRN certificate in another specialty to become more attractive to employers. You will discover that many are willing to pay top dollar for those who can step into different roles. Some roles are in higher demand than others, so you can use your additional certifications to apply for top-paying jobs.
Bring in More Money With Medical Writing or Teaching
You can also use your special skills and certifications to make money on the side. For instance, you can find medical writing jobs online or teach a class or two on the side. If you go this route, you can choose something that fits into your existing schedule so you can continue to make money with your full-time job while bringing in extra income.
When you look at national pay statistics for nurse practitioners, it’s clear that New Mexico is an ideal place to work. It’s also clear that employers are willing to negotiate and pay top dollar for providers. Thus, keep these tips in mind when pursuing a higher-paying job as a nurse practitioner in New Mexico.