Childcare Worker salary in Las Cruces, NM
Childcare Workers in the Las Cruces, NM metro area earn a median of $34,270 a year ($16.48 an hour), based on BLS data for 610 workers.
Pay ranges from $29,170 for the lowest-paid 10% to $40,650 for the top 10%. That is 2% lower than the national median of $34,980. Pay here is 4% lower than the New Mexico statewide median of $35,840. There are 7.6 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 2.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $34,380, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Las Cruces, NM
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $29,170 | $14.03 |
| 25th percentile | $29,910 | $14.38 |
| Median | $34,270 | $16.48 |
| 75th percentile | $36,860 | $17.72 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $40,650 | $19.55 |
| Average (mean) | $34,380 | $16.53 |
Half of childcare workers 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 | $2,855.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,427.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,318.08 |
| Weekly | $659.04 |
| Hourly | $16.48 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Childcare Worker salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe, NM | $36,440 | 130 |
| Albuquerque, NM | $36,340 | 2,190 |
| Farmington, NM | $34,820 | 240 |
Highest-paying states for childcare workers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $47,340 |
| Washington | $41,680 |
| Massachusetts | $40,900 |
| Colorado | $40,750 |
| California | $40,020 |
| Oregon | $38,650 |
| Vermont | $38,030 |
| New York | $37,590 |
| New Hampshire | $37,080 |
| Hawaii | $37,030 |
See Childcare Worker pay in every state or the New Mexico statewide figures.
Related jobs in Las Cruces, NM
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation Worker | $39,140 | $18.82 |
| Residential Advisor | $34,770 | $16.71 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $32,410 | $15.58 |
| Animal Caretaker | $30,160 | $14.50 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,700 | $13.32 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $50,870 | $24.46 |
| Skincare Specialist | $47,230 | $22.71 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Las Cruces, NM
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 39-9011. 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 childcare worker make in Las Cruces, NM?
The median salary for childcare workers in the Las Cruces, NM metro area is $34,270 a year, or $16.48 an hour. Pay ranges from $29,170 for the lowest-paid 10% to $40,650 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Las Cruces, NM?
The top 10% of childcare workers in the Las Cruces, NM metro area earn at least $40,650 a year. The top 25% earn $36,860 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Las Cruces, NM?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $29,170 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $29,910 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Las Cruces, NM?
About 610 childcare workers are employed in the Las Cruces, NM metro area, not counting the self-employed.