Childcare Worker salary in Santa Fe, NM
Childcare Workers in the Santa Fe, NM metro area earn a median of $36,440 a year ($17.52 an hour), based on BLS data for 130 workers.
Pay ranges from $30,660 for the lowest-paid 10% to $46,300 for the top 10%. That is 4% higher than the national median of $34,980. Pay here is 2% higher than the New Mexico statewide median of $35,840. There are 2.1 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.63). The average (mean) salary is $38,500, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in Santa Fe, NM
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $30,660 | $14.74 |
| 25th percentile | $34,270 | $16.48 |
| Median | $36,440 | $17.52 |
| 75th percentile | $43,530 | $20.93 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $46,300 | $22.26 |
| Average (mean) | $38,500 | $18.51 |
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 | $3,036.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,518.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,401.54 |
| Weekly | $700.77 |
| Hourly | $17.52 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
See Childcare Worker pay in every state or the New Mexico statewide figures.
Related jobs in Santa Fe, NM
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Advisor | $39,290 | $18.89 |
| Recreation Worker | $39,190 | $18.84 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $30,430 | $14.63 |
| Animal Caretaker | $35,360 | $17.00 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $30,990 | $14.90 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $54,570 | $26.24 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $39,100 | $18.80 |
| Skincare Specialist | $46,890 | $22.55 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Santa Fe, 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 Santa Fe, NM?
The median salary for childcare workers in the Santa Fe, NM metro area is $36,440 a year, or $17.52 an hour. Pay ranges from $30,660 for the lowest-paid 10% to $46,300 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in Santa Fe, NM?
The top 10% of childcare workers in the Santa Fe, NM metro area earn at least $46,300 a year. The top 25% earn $43,530 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in Santa Fe, NM?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $30,660 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $34,270 or less.
How many childcare workers work in Santa Fe, NM?
About 130 childcare workers are employed in the Santa Fe, NM metro area, not counting the self-employed.