Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in New Mexico
The median pay for a veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers in New Mexico is $35,600/year ($17.12/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $29K at the entry level to $45K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across New Mexico. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $36K get you in New Mexico?
About veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, New Mexico
Entry-level veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers (10th percentile) start around $29K. Mid-career wages sit at $36K. Top earners bring in $45K or more, a $16K spread from bottom to top.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary by metro in New Mexico
3 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque | $36K | +2% | 240 |
| Santa Fe | $36K | +1% | 40 |
| Las Cruces | $35K | -2% | 50 |
Compare to other states
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BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when New Mexico numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers make in New Mexico?
The median is $35,600 a year, that works out to about $17 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $28,920, and experienced veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers can clear $44,910. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $36K enough to live in New Mexico?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,491/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,119/month, which eats 44.9% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers salary go in New Mexico?
New Mexico has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers salary is worth about $38,255 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.