Animal Trainer salary in New Mexico
Animal Trainers in New Mexico earn a median of $34,760 a year ($16.71 an hour), based on BLS data for 60 workers.
Pay ranges from $29,710 for the lowest-paid 10% to $41,350 for the top 10%. That is 13% lower than the national median of $39,990. New Mexico ranks 38th of 47 states for animal trainers pay. There are 0.07 animal trainers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.54). The average (mean) salary is $34,930, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in New Mexico
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $29,710 | $14.28 |
| 25th percentile | $31,880 | $15.33 |
| Median | $34,760 | $16.71 |
| 75th percentile | $36,650 | $17.62 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $41,350 | $19.88 |
| Average (mean) | $34,930 | $16.79 |
Half of animal trainers 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 | $2,896.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,448.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,336.92 |
| Weekly | $668.46 |
| Hourly | $16.71 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Highest-paying states for animal trainers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Virginia | $62,960 |
| Alabama | $55,700 |
| Oregon | $55,520 |
| California | $49,060 |
| New York | $48,790 |
| New Jersey | $46,690 |
| Washington | $46,420 |
| Illinois | $45,830 |
| Connecticut | $45,800 |
| Indiana | $45,270 |
Related jobs in New Mexico
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $33,570 | $16.14 |
| 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 39-2011. 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 trainer make in New Mexico?
The median salary for animal trainers in New Mexico is $34,760 a year, or $16.71 an hour. Pay ranges from $29,710 for the lowest-paid 10% to $41,350 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in New Mexico?
The top 10% of animal trainers in New Mexico earn at least $41,350 a year. The top 25% earn $36,650 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in New Mexico?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $29,710 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $31,880 or less.
How many animal trainers work in New Mexico?
About 60 animal trainers are employed in New Mexico, not counting the self-employed.