Animal Caretaker salary in Albuquerque, NM
Animal Caretakers in the Albuquerque, NM metro area earn a median of $33,080 a year ($15.90 an hour), based on BLS data for 890 workers.
Pay ranges from $28,160 for the lowest-paid 10% to $45,560 for the top 10%. That is 6% lower than the national median of $35,360. Pay here is 1% lower than the New Mexico statewide median of $33,570. There are 2.2 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $34,910, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Albuquerque, NM
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $28,160 | $13.54 |
| 25th percentile | $28,970 | $13.93 |
| Median | $33,080 | $15.90 |
| 75th percentile | $37,260 | $17.91 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $45,560 | $21.91 |
| Average (mean) | $34,910 | $16.78 |
Half of animal caretakers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $2,756.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,378.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,272.31 |
| Weekly | $636.15 |
| Hourly | $15.90 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $33,080 salary, see how much house you can afford in New Mexico at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Animal Caretaker salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe, NM | $35,360 | 240 |
| Las Cruces, NM | $30,160 | 160 |
Highest-paying states for animal caretakers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $44,210 |
| Washington | $40,570 |
| Hawaii | $40,130 |
| Massachusetts | $39,650 |
| California | $38,700 |
| Arizona | $38,180 |
| New York | $37,840 |
| Colorado | $37,430 |
| Connecticut | $37,310 |
| Maine | $37,230 |
See Animal Caretaker pay in every state or the New Mexico statewide figures.
Related jobs in Albuquerque, NM
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $36,340 | $17.47 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $38,330 | $18.43 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $45,250 | $21.76 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $28,750 | $13.82 |
| Recreation Worker | $26,510 | $12.75 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $28,230 | $13.57 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $48,280 | $23.21 |
| Residential Advisor | $38,290 | $18.41 |
| Skincare Specialist | $41,070 | $19.75 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $37,440 | $18.00 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $35,360 | $17.00 |
| Baggage Porters and Bellhops | $29,890 | $14.37 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $39,150 | $18.82 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $58,090 | $27.93 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Albuquerque, NM
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 39-2021. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a animal caretaker make in Albuquerque, NM?
The median salary for animal caretakers in the Albuquerque, NM metro area is $33,080 a year, or $15.90 an hour. Pay ranges from $28,160 for the lowest-paid 10% to $45,560 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Albuquerque, NM?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in the Albuquerque, NM metro area earn at least $45,560 a year. The top 25% earn $37,260 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Albuquerque, NM?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $28,160 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $28,970 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Albuquerque, NM?
About 890 animal caretakers are employed in the Albuquerque, NM metro area, not counting the self-employed.