Animal Caretakers Salary in New Mexico

Animal caretakers in New Mexico earn the most in Santa Fe (average $38,080 a year) and the least in Las Cruces ($32,710), across the 3 New Mexico metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the animal caretakers average at $35,050 and the median at $33,570 for 1,710 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $37,300.

Animal Caretakers average salary by city in New Mexico

Santa Fe$38,080
Albuquerque$34,910
Las Cruces$32,710

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Santa Fe	$38,080	$35,360	$34,930	$32,107	99
Albuquerque	$34,910	$33,080	$28,970	$29,696	96
Las Cruces	$32,710	$30,160	$27,170	$28,023	90

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Animal Caretakers salary in other states

Animal Caretakers salary by city and state

More about pay in New Mexico

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 39-2021.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

Read the full methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.