Truck Driver Salary in Albuquerque
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$55,224
CDL-B Avg
$43,888
Non-CDL Avg
$44,814
Owner-Op Gross
$182,000
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Albuquerque truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Albuquerque
Albuquerque's cost of living is 7% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$55,224
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$59,381
After adjusting for Albuquerque's cost of living index of 93, a CDL-A salary of $55,224 provides the same purchasing power as $59,381 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Albuquerque than the raw salary suggests.
Albuquerque vs New Mexico vs National Average
| Metric | Albuquerque | NM Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $55,224 | $53,100 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$2,124 | ||
| vs National | $-3,486 | ||
| Cost of Living | 93 | 91 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $59,381 | $58,352 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Albuquerque
Trucking pay in Albuquerque has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from national defense & labs and film production. The New Mexico market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
Which carriers run freight through Albuquerque?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Albuquerque — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record. Ask for it in cents per mile alongside the expected weekly miles.
- Werner Enterprises
- Prime Inc.
- Ryder
- Knight-Swift
Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Albuquerque
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Albuquerque market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Albuquerque
Browse CDL driver positions in Albuquerque, NM from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Albuquerque
What is the average truck driver salary in Albuquerque, NM?
CDL-A truck drivers in Albuquerque, New Mexico earn an average of $55,224 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Albuquerque market is influenced by national defense & labs and film production freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Albuquerque?
Owner-operators based in Albuquerque gross approximately $182,000 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $69,160 to $87,360. The Albuquerque area's cost of living index of 93 is below the national average by 7%.
Is Albuquerque a good city for trucking jobs?
Albuquerque offers strong trucking employment thanks to its national defense & labs and film production sectors. The city's cost of living is below the national average, which means your paycheck goes further here than in many metros. CDL drivers with hazmat or tanker endorsements can earn 10-20% above the city average.