Special Education Teacher Salary in Albuquerque, NM: $59,812 (2026)

Special Education Teacher Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median special education teacher salary of $59,812, which is $1,259 above the New Mexico state average of $58,553. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Albuquerque pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Albuquerque's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for special education teachers in Albuquerque spans from $39,900 at the 10th percentile to $91,200 at the 90th percentile — a $51,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,800, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,500. As a major metro area with a population of 564,559, Albuquerque typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $41,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$41,800

$-2,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$60,800

$-3,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$85,500

$-4,500 vs national

Percentile	Albuquerque	NM State	National
10th Percentile	$39,900	$39,060	$42,000
25th Percentile	$47,500	$46,500	$50,000
Median (50th)	$59,812	$58,553	$62,960
75th Percentile	$74,100	$72,540	$78,000
90th Percentile	$91,200	$89,280	$96,000

Percentile

Albuquerque

10th Percentile

$39,900

25th Percentile

$47,500

Median (50th)

$59,812

75th Percentile

$74,100

90th Percentile

$91,200

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Albuquerque

Education

Most special education teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Albuquerque and the surrounding New Mexico area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

IEP DevelopmentAdaptive TeachingAssessmentBehavioral ManagementCommunicationPatience

Job Outlook

Nationally, special education teacher employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Albuquerque may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼

The median special education teacher salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $59,812 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $39,900 (10th percentile) to $91,200 (90th percentile).

How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $59,812, a special education teacher in Albuquerque earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for special education teacher pay? ▼

Albuquerque's median special education teacher salary of $59,812 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $58,553. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Albuquerque, NM? ▼

Albuquerque has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $59,812 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a special education teacher in Albuquerque? ▼

Most special education teacher positions in Albuquerque require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include IEP Development, Adaptive Teaching, Assessment, Behavioral Management. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico