Albuquerque vs Carlsbad: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Carlsbad, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Carlsbad, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,260▲ | $57,818 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.67▲ | $27.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,063▲ | $44,899 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,547▲ | $52,856 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,107▲ | $72,130 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,672 | $89,618▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,900▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Carlsbad.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Carlsbad is $18,442 (31.90%). Albuquerque's median is +18.06% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $23,609,Carlsbad spans $44,719. Carlsbad has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Albuquerque ($79,815 effective) pays 30.31% more than Carlsbad ($61,248 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albuquerque if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,260/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,900 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,815)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Carlsbad if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,618)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Albuquerque grew 39.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.2% growth in Carlsbad over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$54,040 (2019) → $75,520 (2025)
Carlsbad, NM
$55,494 (2024) → $57,257 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Carlsbad, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Albuquerque or Carlsbad?
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Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov