Creative & Education Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median teacher (k-12) salary in Albuquerque, NM is $58,606 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$58,606
vs State Avg
+$1,234
vs National
$-3,084
Cost of Living
95%

Teacher (K-12) Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median teacher (k-12) salary of $58,606, which is $1,234 above the New Mexico state average of $57,372. Compared to the national median of $61,690, 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 teacher (k-12)s in Albuquerque spans from $39,330 at the 10th percentile to $95,950 at the 90th percentile — a $56,620 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,900, while senior teacher (k-12)s with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $87,400. 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.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level teacher (k-12) earns around $39,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,900
$-2,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,900
$-3,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,400
$-4,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $39,330
25th Percentile $46,360
Median (50th) $58,606
75th Percentile $75,240
90th Percentile $95,950

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$67,859
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$56,755
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$54,287
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$50,586
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Teacher (K-12) in Albuquerque

Education

Most teacher (k-12) positions require a bachelor's degree. Albuquerque and the surrounding New Mexico area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Lesson PlanningClassroom ManagementAssessmentDifferentiated InstructionCommunicationEducational Technology

Job Outlook

Nationally, teacher (k-12) employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Demand in Albuquerque may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Teacher (K-12) Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open teacher (k-12) positions in Albuquerque, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Teacher (K-12) Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median teacher (k-12) salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $58,606 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $61,690. Salaries range from $39,330 (10th percentile) to $95,950 (90th percentile).
How much does a Teacher (K-12) make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,606, a teacher (k-12) in Albuquerque earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for teacher (k-12) pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median teacher (k-12) salary of $58,606 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $57,372. 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 teacher (k-12) salary of $58,606 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a teacher (k-12) in Albuquerque? ▼
Most teacher (k-12) positions in Albuquerque require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Lesson Planning, Classroom Management, Assessment, Differentiated Instruction. The job market is projected to grow 1% nationally over the next decade.