> Programs that commit to paying entry-level staff a minimum of $18 per hour and offer 10 hours of care per day, five days a week, will receive an incentive rate. New Mexico estimates an additional 5,000 early childhood professionals are needed to fully achieve a universal system.

Is this a reasonable wage in New Mexico? Here in Southern California you could not find qualified candidates for that but I know general cost of living is higher.

That's really good pay for most parts of New Mexico.

$18/hour is a really good wage in New Mexico for every city except the richest ones... mainly Santa Fe. It's really high for smaller towns and villages.