Recreation Worker salary in New Mexico
Recreation Workers in New Mexico earn a median of $31,900 a year ($15.34 an hour), based on BLS data for 870 workers.
Pay ranges from $26,510 for the lowest-paid 10% to $52,960 for the top 10%. That is 13% lower than the national median of $36,560. New Mexico ranks 39th of 51 states for recreation workers pay. There are 1.00 recreation workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.47). The average (mean) salary is $36,620, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for recreation workers in New Mexico
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $26,510 | $12.75 |
| 25th percentile | $26,510 | $12.75 |
| Median | $31,900 | $15.34 |
| 75th percentile | $40,680 | $19.56 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $52,960 | $25.46 |
| Average (mean) | $36,620 | $17.61 |
Half of recreation 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 | $2,658.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,329.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,226.92 |
| Weekly | $613.46 |
| Hourly | $15.34 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Recreation Worker salary in cities in New Mexico
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe, NM | $39,190 | 40 |
| Las Cruces, NM | $39,140 | 50 |
| Farmington, NM | $35,780 | 40 |
| Albuquerque, NM | $26,510 | 520 |
Highest-paying states for recreation workers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $46,460 |
| Washington | $44,890 |
| South Dakota | $42,270 |
| Hawaii | $41,000 |
| California | $39,780 |
| Oregon | $39,610 |
| Colorado | $38,820 |
| Massachusetts | $38,540 |
| New York | $38,040 |
| Alaska | $37,510 |
Related jobs in New Mexico
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $35,840 | $17.23 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $44,680 | $21.48 |
| 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 39-9032. 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 recreation worker make in New Mexico?
The median salary for recreation workers in New Mexico is $31,900 a year, or $15.34 an hour. Pay ranges from $26,510 for the lowest-paid 10% to $52,960 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid recreation workers make in New Mexico?
The top 10% of recreation workers in New Mexico earn at least $52,960 a year. The top 25% earn $40,680 or more.
What is the starting pay for recreation workers in New Mexico?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $26,510 a year, and a quarter of recreation workers earn $26,510 or less.
How many recreation workers work in New Mexico?
About 870 recreation workers are employed in New Mexico, not counting the self-employed.