The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics for May 2007 show that there were 11,400 registered nurses working in New Mexico nursing jobs at that time, and that the average annual wage for New Mexico nurses was $59,570, or $28.64 per hour. This is slightly lower than the average annual wage of $62,480 ($30.04 per hour) paid to registered nurses across the country; however, it should be noted that the cost of living is often much lower in New Mexico and registered nurses in New Mexico make significantly more than the average annual wage of workers across industries in this state, which is $35,790, or $17.21 per hour. This allows for a considerably higher than average standard of living for New Mexico residents who choose New Mexico nursing careers.
Another report published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008-2009 Edition, states that the nursing field across the nation is in the middle of a huge 23% growth that is expected to result in 587,000 additional registered nursing jobs across the country by the year 2016. This expansion is in response to the growing demand for registered nurses as our population expands and ages, people live longer, registered nurses currently working in the field begin to retire, and the demand for lower cost health care pushes hospitals and private medical practices to utilize nurses for more extensive patient care. This rate of growth is expected to occur throughout the nation and will undoubtedly include the New Mexico nursing industry as well.
This report also notes that a having a bachelor’s degree will significantly impact the job opportunities and career advancement opportunities available to registered nurses; therefore, when choosing New Mexico nursing programs, prospective nurses should consider their degree options carefully.