Animal Caretaker salary in Santa Fe, NM
Animal Caretakers in the Santa Fe, NM metro area earn a median of $35,360 a year ($17.00 an hour), based on BLS data for 240 workers.
Pay ranges from $31,090 for the lowest-paid 10% to $43,880 for the top 10%. That is about the same as the national median of $35,360. Pay here is 5% higher than the New Mexico statewide median of $33,570. There are 3.8 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 2.2× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $38,080, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Santa Fe, NM
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $31,090 | $14.95 |
| 25th percentile | $34,930 | $16.79 |
| Median | $35,360 | $17.00 |
| 75th percentile | $38,540 | $18.53 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $43,880 | $21.10 |
| Average (mean) | $38,080 | $18.31 |
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 | $2,946.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,473.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,360 |
| Weekly | $680 |
| Hourly | $17.00 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $35,360 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque, NM | $33,080 | 890 |
| Las Cruces, NM | $30,160 | 160 |
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 Santa Fe, NM
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $30,430 | $14.63 |
| Childcare Worker | $36,440 | $17.52 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $30,990 | $14.90 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $54,570 | $26.24 |
| Residential Advisor | $39,290 | $18.89 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $39,100 | $18.80 |
| Recreation Worker | $39,190 | $18.84 |
| 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 39-2021. 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 Santa Fe, NM?
The median salary for animal caretakers in the Santa Fe, NM metro area is $35,360 a year, or $17.00 an hour. Pay ranges from $31,090 for the lowest-paid 10% to $43,880 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Santa Fe, NM?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in the Santa Fe, NM metro area earn at least $43,880 a year. The top 25% earn $38,540 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Santa Fe, NM?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $31,090 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $34,930 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Santa Fe, NM?
About 240 animal caretakers are employed in the Santa Fe, NM metro area, not counting the self-employed.