Average Light Truck Drivers Salary in Albuquerque, NM
Light Truck Drivers in Albuquerque, NM, can expect an average annual salary of $42,830. This figure is notably below the national average of $47,920, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this compensation difference. The specific economic conditions and industry needs within Albuquerque play a significant role in shaping the earning potential for this profession.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,830 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,100.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,850 Light Truck Drivers, Albuquerque presents a moderate-sized employment pool for this occupation. The Location Quotient of 0.71 indicates that the concentration of these drivers is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers, at 4.609, further reinforces the notion of a consistent, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market for this role in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Light Truck Drivers in Albuquerque, NM earns-10.6%below the national average.
$20.6
$824
$3,569
Light Truck Drivers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Light Truck Drivers in Albuquerque, NM, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increases in operational costs for businesses and a steady demand for logistics services likely contribute to upward pressure on wages, even if the pace of growth is moderate.
Light Truck Drivers Salary Distribution in Albuquerque, NM
The salary for Light Truck Drivers in Albuquerque, NM, naturally scales with experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive driving records and specialized skills can earn significantly more. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles highlight clear career progression pathways, with experienced drivers often reaching higher earning brackets as they accumulate expertise and reliability.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $28,690 | $13.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $32,123 | $15.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $39,490 | $19 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $53,538 | $25.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $61,100 | $29.4 |
Detailed Light Truck Drivers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,830
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,830
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $42,830 for Light Truck Drivers in Albuquerque aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the nominal income earned by these drivers in Albuquerque has the same purchasing power as the national average salary would have across the country. Therefore, the salary is neither particularly advantageous nor disadvantageous in terms of real wages when compared to the national standard.
Job Market Context
1,850
Total Jobs
4.609
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Albuquerque, NM has 0.71x the national average concentration of Light Truck Drivers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
Albuquerque's Location Quotient of 0.71 for Light Truck Drivers suggests that the occupation is less concentrated in this metropolitan area compared to the national average. This indicates that while there is a presence of these jobs, the market is not saturated, and demand might be more specialized or tied to specific local industries. It implies a competitive environment where employers may seek drivers with specific qualifications relevant to the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Light Truck Drivers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area Light Truck Drivers Salary | $45,420↑ 6% | 29 mi |
| Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area Light Truck Drivers Salary | $41,920↓ 2% | 29 mi |
| Santa Fe, NM Light Truck Drivers Salary | $45,050↑ 5% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Albuquerque, NM
Hiring Light Truck Driverss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Light Truck Drivers make in Albuquerque, NM?
The median annual salary for a Light Truck Drivers in Albuquerque, NM is $42,830. This typically ranges from $28,690 for entry-level positions to $61,100 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Albuquerque, NM is 10.6% lower than the national median of $47,920.
Is Albuquerque, NM a lucrative place for Light Truck Drivers?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $42,830 is below the national average of $47,920, and the cost of living is at the national average, meaning less disposable income.
Is Albuquerque, NM a good place to live for Light Truck Drivers?
The Cost of Living Index in Albuquerque, NM is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Albuquerque, NM?
Some top paying nearby cities include Eastern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area ($45,420) and Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area.
How does experience affect a Light Truck Driver's salary in Albuquerque?
Experience significantly impacts earnings, with entry-level drivers earning less and senior drivers with proven track records commanding higher salaries, reflecting increased responsibility and skill.
What is the job outlook for Light Truck Drivers in Albuquerque?
The outlook appears stable, with a moderate workforce size and a concentration slightly below the national average, suggesting consistent but not explosive job growth.
Is the cost of living high in Albuquerque for drivers?
The cost of living in Albuquerque is at the national average (100), meaning that the $42,830 salary offers average purchasing power compared to the rest of the U.S.
Are there many Light Truck Driver jobs in Albuquerque relative to other cities?
The Location Quotient of 0.71 indicates that Albuquerque has fewer Light Truck Drivers per capita than the national average, suggesting a less concentrated but potentially stable job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,850 employees in the Albuquerque, NM area with a job density of 4.609 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Light Truck Drivers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Albuquerque, NM