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
$53,333
CDL-B Avg
$40,000
Non-CDL Avg
$33,600
Owner-Op Gross
$138,666
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
$53,333
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$57,347
After adjusting for Albuquerque's cost of living index of 93, a CDL-A salary of $53,333 provides the same purchasing power as $57,347 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 | $53,333 | $51,800 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$1,533 | ||
| vs National | $-5,377 | ||
| Cost of Living | 93 | 91 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $57,347 | $56,923 | $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.
Top Paying Companies in Albuquerque
These carriers and logistics companies offer some of the highest truck driver pay in the Albuquerque area.
| Company | Avg Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| 1J.B. Hunt | $65,894 |
| 2Knight-Swift | $64,865 |
| 3Schneider National | $63,835 |
| 4Ryder | $60,746 |
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 $53,333 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 $138,666 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $52,693 to $66,560. 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.