Childcare Worker salary in New Mexico
Childcare Workers in New Mexico earn a median of $35,840 a year ($17.23 an hour), based on BLS data for 4,120 workers.
Pay ranges from $29,880 for the lowest-paid 10% to $42,190 for the top 10%. That is 2% higher than the national median of $34,980. New Mexico ranks 17th of 51 states for childcare workers pay. There are 4.7 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.4× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $35,510, close to the median.
Pay range for childcare workers in New Mexico
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $29,880 | $14.36 |
| 25th percentile | $31,240 | $15.02 |
| Median | $35,840 | $17.23 |
| 75th percentile | $36,940 | $17.76 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $42,190 | $20.29 |
| Average (mean) | $35,510 | $17.07 |
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 | $2,986.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,493.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,378.46 |
| Weekly | $689.23 |
| Hourly | $17.23 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Childcare Worker salary in cities in New Mexico
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe, NM | $36,440 | 130 |
| Albuquerque, NM | $36,340 | 2,190 |
| Farmington, NM | $34,820 | 240 |
| Las Cruces, NM | $34,270 | 610 |
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 |
Related jobs in New Mexico
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $44,680 | $21.48 |
| Recreation Worker | $31,900 | $15.34 |
| Residential Advisor | $37,540 | $18.05 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $39,440 | $18.96 |
| Animal Caretaker | $33,570 | $16.14 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $29,160 | $14.02 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $37,750 | $18.15 |
| 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 39-9011. 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 New Mexico?
The median salary for childcare workers in New Mexico is $35,840 a year, or $17.23 an hour. Pay ranges from $29,880 for the lowest-paid 10% to $42,190 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in New Mexico?
The top 10% of childcare workers in New Mexico earn at least $42,190 a year. The top 25% earn $36,940 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in New Mexico?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $29,880 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $31,240 or less.
How many childcare workers work in New Mexico?
About 4,120 childcare workers are employed in New Mexico, not counting the self-employed.