In Albuquerque, NM, Truck Drivers earn a median of $48,810 a year — about 13% below the U.S. median of $55,990. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #47.
What that pay is worth in Albuquerque
Local prices run 96 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $49,240 salary stretches further than the sticker number — about $51,535 in national-average buying power.
Can Truck Drivers afford a home in Albuquerque?
A typical Albuquerque home runs about $266,700 — 5.4 times the average Truck Driver salary, a stretch against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,085/mo takes roughly 26% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Truck Driver pay ladder in Albuquerque
Entry-level (10th percentile) Truck Drivers earn about $34,680; the top 10% reach $61,790 — a $27,110 spread, narrow for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Truck Driver job market in Albuquerque
Albuquerque employs roughly 4,340 Truck Drivers. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare Albuquerque with other cities
See the full Truck Driver salary by city ranking to weigh Albuquerque against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Truck Drivers make in Albuquerque?
The average Truck Driver in Albuquerque, NM earns about $49,240 per year, 12.1% below the national average of $55,990.
What is the take-home pay for Truck Drivers in Albuquerque after taxes?
After federal and NM taxes, this $49,240 salary is worth about $40,594 a year - roughly $3,382 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 18%.
What do the highest-paid Truck Drivers earn in Albuquerque?
The top 10% of Truck Drivers in Albuquerque earn about $61,790 a year, versus about $34,680 for the bottom 10%.
Can Truck Drivers afford a home in Albuquerque?
A typical Albuquerque home runs about $266,700 - roughly 5.4x this salary, a stretch by the 3x rule, so budgeting discipline matters.