BLS Official Data · OEWS May 2025

Animal Caretakers in New Mexico

$35,050 / year · average (mean) annual wage
$16.85 per hour

▼ 6.0% below U.S. average28th of 51 states

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Dataset: OEWS May 2025 Published: May 2026 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
Average$35,050per year
Median$33,570per year
Hourly$16.85per hour
10th – 90th percentile$27,980 – $44,020per year

Animal Caretakers Pay Range in New Mexico

Pay distribution across experience levels

  • 10th Percentile — Entry Level$27,980
  • 25th Percentile — Junior$29,070
  • 50th Percentile — Median$33,570
  • 75th Percentile — Senior$37,300
  • 90th Percentile — Top Earners$44,020

Half of Animal Caretakers in New Mexico earn more than $33,570. The top 10% make $44,020 or more, while entry-level workers start around $27,980.

Animal Caretakers in New Mexico: Key Facts

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025

  • New Mexico ranks 28th of 51 states for Animal Caretakers pay, at $35,050 per year (6.0% below the U.S. average of $37,300).
  • 1,710 people work as Animal Caretakers in New Mexico — 0.6% of all U.S. Animal Caretakers jobs.
  • Location quotient 1.14: Animal Caretakers jobs are more concentrated in New Mexico than in the U.S. overall.
  • Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $27,980; the top 10% earn over $44,020.
  • Hourly equivalent: $16.85 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
  • The highest-paying state is District of Columbia at $46,510.
  • Among personal services jobs in New Mexico, Skincare Specialists pays the most ($53,170).

Animal Caretakers Job Market in New Mexico

Key factors affecting compensation

New Mexico's key industries are Government, Energy, Tourism, and its job market is rated moderate. Animal Caretakers here earn $35,050 on average, placing the state 28th nationally.

With a cost-of-living index of 0.88 (U.S. = 1.00), a New Mexico salary of $35,050 is roughly equivalent to $39,830 at the national average cost of living.

Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Montana ($36,170), Virginia ($36,070), Texas ($35,970) are the closest alternatives for Animal Caretakers weighing a move.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025

Related career salary benchmarks

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this salary

What is the average Animal Caretakers salary in New Mexico?

The average Animal Caretakers salary in New Mexico is $35,050 per year (median $33,570), which is 6.0% below the national average of $37,300.

How does New Mexico rank for Animal Caretakers pay?

New Mexico ranks 28th out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is District of Columbia ($46,510/yr).

How much do entry-level Animal Caretakers make in New Mexico?

The lowest-paid 10% of Animal Caretakers in New Mexico earn about $27,980 per year and the 25th percentile is $29,070.

How much do Animal Caretakers make per hour in New Mexico?

About $16.85 per hour, based on the $35,050 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.

How many Animal Caretakers work in New Mexico?

BLS counts 1,710 Animal Caretakers jobs in New Mexico (OEWS May 2025).

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