Animal Caretaker salary in Las Cruces, NM
Animal Caretakers in the Las Cruces, NM metro area earn a median of $30,160 a year ($14.50 an hour), based on BLS data for 160 workers.
Pay ranges from $26,830 for the lowest-paid 10% to $36,810 for the top 10%. That is 15% lower than the national median of $35,360. Pay here is 10% lower than the New Mexico statewide median of $33,570. There are 2.0 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $32,710, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Las Cruces, NM
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $26,830 | $12.90 |
| 25th percentile | $27,170 | $13.06 |
| Median | $30,160 | $14.50 |
| 75th percentile | $35,100 | $16.88 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $36,810 | $17.70 |
| Average (mean) | $32,710 | $15.73 |
Half of animal caretakers 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 | $2,513.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,256.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,160 |
| Weekly | $580 |
| Hourly | $14.50 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $30,160 salary, see how much house you can afford in New Mexico at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Animal Caretaker salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe, NM | $35,360 | 240 |
| Albuquerque, NM | $33,080 | 890 |
Highest-paying states for animal caretakers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $44,210 |
| Washington | $40,570 |
| Hawaii | $40,130 |
| Massachusetts | $39,650 |
| California | $38,700 |
| Arizona | $38,180 |
| New York | $37,840 |
| Colorado | $37,430 |
| Connecticut | $37,310 |
| Maine | $37,230 |
See Animal Caretaker pay in every state or the New Mexico statewide figures.
Related jobs in Las Cruces, NM
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $34,270 | $16.48 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,700 | $13.32 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $50,870 | $24.46 |
| Recreation Worker | $39,140 | $18.82 |
| Residential Advisor | $34,770 | $16.71 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $32,410 | $15.58 |
| Skincare Specialist | $47,230 | $22.71 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Las Cruces, NM
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 39-2021. 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 animal caretaker make in Las Cruces, NM?
The median salary for animal caretakers in the Las Cruces, NM metro area is $30,160 a year, or $14.50 an hour. Pay ranges from $26,830 for the lowest-paid 10% to $36,810 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Las Cruces, NM?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in the Las Cruces, NM metro area earn at least $36,810 a year. The top 25% earn $35,100 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Las Cruces, NM?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $26,830 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $27,170 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Las Cruces, NM?
About 160 animal caretakers are employed in the Las Cruces, NM metro area, not counting the self-employed.