Animal Caretaker salary in New Mexico
Animal Caretakers in New Mexico earn a median of $33,570 a year ($16.14 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,710 workers.
Pay ranges from $27,980 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,020 for the top 10%. That is 5% lower than the national median of $35,360. New Mexico ranks 26th of 51 states for animal caretakers pay. There are 2.0 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $35,050, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in New Mexico
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $27,980 | $13.45 |
| 25th percentile | $29,070 | $13.98 |
| Median | $33,570 | $16.14 |
| 75th percentile | $37,300 | $17.93 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $44,020 | $21.16 |
| Average (mean) | $35,050 | $16.85 |
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 | $2,797.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,398.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,291.15 |
| Weekly | $645.58 |
| Hourly | $16.14 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Animal Caretaker salary in cities in New Mexico
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe, NM | $35,360 | 240 |
| Albuquerque, NM | $33,080 | 890 |
| 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 |
Related jobs in New Mexico
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $34,760 | $16.71 |
| Childcare Worker | $35,840 | $17.23 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $29,160 | $14.02 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $37,750 | $18.15 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $44,680 | $21.48 |
| Recreation Worker | $31,900 | $15.34 |
| Residential Advisor | $37,540 | $18.05 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $49,100 | $23.61 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $28,230 | $13.57 |
| Gambling Dealer | $36,990 | $17.78 |
| Skincare Specialist | $47,230 | $22.71 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $37,080 | $17.83 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $37,220 | $17.89 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers | $60,140 | $28.92 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in New Mexico
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 New Mexico?
The median salary for animal caretakers in New Mexico is $33,570 a year, or $16.14 an hour. Pay ranges from $27,980 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,020 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in New Mexico?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in New Mexico earn at least $44,020 a year. The top 25% earn $37,300 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in New Mexico?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $27,980 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $29,070 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in New Mexico?
About 1,710 animal caretakers are employed in New Mexico, not counting the self-employed.