The Ultimate Guide to Albuquerque Public Schools Salaries:...

Introduction

For mission-driven professionals passionate about shaping the future, a career within a public school district offers a unique blend of community impact and personal fulfillment. If you're considering bringing your talents to the vibrant, culturally rich city of Albuquerque, you've likely asked the critical question: "What are the salaries at Albuquerque Public Schools?" Answering this question is not just about a single number; it's about understanding a complex, structured system of compensation that rewards education, experience, and dedication.

Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) is the largest school district in New Mexico and one of the largest in the United States, employing over 14,000 individuals who serve nearly 75,000 students. This vast network of professionals includes teachers, counselors, administrators, bus drivers, nurses, IT specialists, and countless other support staff, each playing a vital role in the educational ecosystem. The salary potential within APS varies significantly, with entry-level support positions starting around $15.00 per hour and top-level administrative roles exceeding $150,000 annually. For certified teachers, the typical starting salary for the 2023-2024 school year is over $50,000, with pathways to reach over $70,000 with advanced degrees and experience.

I once had the privilege of interviewing a veteran high school principal who told me, "We don't just hand out diplomas; we build the city's future, one student at a time. Our compensation reflects a public trust, a commitment to attracting and retaining people who believe in that mission." This sentiment captures the essence of working for APS—it's a career where your compensation is part of a larger commitment to public service and community development. This guide is designed to demystify the Albuquerque Public Schools salary structure, providing you with the data-driven insights and comprehensive analysis needed to navigate your career path, advocate for your worth, and make informed decisions about your professional future.

### Table of Contents

[What Does an Albuquerque Public Schools Employee Do?](#what-does-an-albuquerque-public-schools-employee-do)
[Albuquerque Public Schools Salaries: A Deep Dive](#albuquerque-public-schools-salaries-a-deep-dive)
[Key Factors That Influence APS Salaries](#key-factors-that-influence-aps-salaries)
[Job Outlook and Career Growth within APS](#job-outlook-and-career-growth-within-aps)
[How to Get a Job at Albuquerque Public Schools](#how-to-get-a-job-at-albuquerque-public-schools)
[Conclusion](#conclusion)

What Does an Albuquerque Public Schools Employee Do?

Working for Albuquerque Public Schools means being part of a massive, interconnected organization dedicated to a single goal: educating students. While the title "APS Employee" is broad, the roles within the district can be largely categorized into three main groups, each with distinct responsibilities and daily functions.

1. Licensed/Certified Staff: This is the heart of the educational mission. These are the front-line professionals who work directly with students' academic, social, and emotional development.

Teachers: The most prominent role, teachers are responsible for creating lesson plans, delivering instruction, assessing student learning, managing classroom environments, and communicating with parents. Their work is guided by state standards and district curriculum.
Counselors and Social Workers: These professionals support students' mental and emotional well-being, provide academic and career guidance, and connect families with essential resources.
Librarians: Modern school librarians manage media centers, teach information literacy and digital citizenship, and foster a love of reading.
Nurses and Therapists (Speech, Occupational, Physical): This group provides essential health services, addresses medical needs, and helps students with disabilities access their education.

2. Administrative Staff: Administrators provide the leadership, vision, and operational management that allow schools and the district to function effectively.

School Administrators (Principals, Assistant Principals): These are the instructional and operational leaders of their schools. They are responsible for teacher evaluation and development, student discipline, budget management, and fostering a positive school culture.
Central Office Administrators (Directors, Executive Directors, Superintendents): Working from the district's central office, these leaders oversee system-wide functions like curriculum development, human resources, finance, technology, and special education. They set district policy and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.

3. Classified/Support Staff: Often called the backbone of the district, these employees provide the essential operational, logistical, and instructional support that makes education possible.

Educational Assistants (EAs): EAs work alongside licensed teachers, providing small-group instruction, one-on-one student support, and classroom assistance.
Administrative Assistants and Clerical Staff: They manage school offices, handle communications, maintain records, and provide critical support to administrators.
Custodial and Maintenance Staff: These teams ensure that schools are clean, safe, and well-maintained environments for learning.
Technology Staff: IT professionals manage the district's network infrastructure, repair devices, and support the educational technology used in classrooms.
Bus Drivers and Transportation Staff: They ensure the safe and timely transport of thousands of students to and from school each day.
Food Service Staff: These employees prepare and serve nutritious meals to students, a critical component of a healthy learning environment.

### A Day in the Life: A Coordinated Effort

To understand how these roles intersect, consider a typical morning at an APS elementary school:

7:00 AM: The *Head Custodian* has already been at work for an hour, ensuring walkways are clear and the building is ready. A *Bus Driver* is completing their pre-trip inspection before heading out on their route.
7:45 AM: A *Teacher* arrives and begins preparing their classroom, reviewing the day's lesson plan on ecosystems. They check in with the *Special Education Educational Assistant (EA)* to coordinate support for a few students during the science lesson.
8:15 AM: The *Principal* greets students and parents at the main entrance while the *School Nurse* administers daily medication to a student in the health office.
8:30 AM: The first bell rings. In the central office, a *Human Resources Specialist* is processing applications for a hard-to-fill bilingual teacher position, while an *IT Support Technician* remotely troubleshoots a smartboard issue for a middle school teacher across town.

This snapshot reveals that "what an APS employee does" is incredibly varied. It is a collaborative effort where each role, from the Superintendent to the cafeteria worker, contributes directly or indirectly to the student experience.

Albuquerque Public Schools Salaries: A Deep Dive

Salaries at Albuquerque Public Schools are not arbitrary; they are determined by highly structured, publicly available salary schedules. These schedules are the result of negotiations between the district and its employee unions, such as the Albuquerque Teachers Federation (ATF) and the Communications Workers of America (CWA), which represents many classified employees. This system is designed to be transparent and equitable, basing pay primarily on objective factors like role, experience, and education.

The primary source for all data in this section is the official Albuquerque Public Schools 2023-2024 Salary Schedules, available on the APS Human Resources website.

### Teacher Salaries

APS, in alignment with New Mexico state law, utilizes a three-tiered licensure and salary system for teachers. This provides a clear framework for career and salary progression.

Level 1 Teacher (Apprentice): A beginning teacher, typically in their first 1-3 years.
Level 2 Teacher (Professional): The standard professional license, earned after demonstrating teaching competencies.
Level 3 Teacher (Master Teacher): The highest level, for experienced teachers who have demonstrated instructional leadership.

Within each level, teachers advance through "steps," which correspond to years of credited experience.

APS Teacher Salary Schedule Highlights (2023-2024)

| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |

| 0-2 Years | $50,000 | N/A | N/A |

| 3-4 Years | N/A | $60,000 | N/A |

| 5-9 Years | N/A | $60,000 | $70,000 |

| 10-14 Years| N/A | $61,500 | $71,500 |

| 15-19 Years| N/A | $63,000 | $73,000 |

| 20-24 Years| N/A | $64,500 | $74,500 |

| 25+ Years | N/A | $65,500 | $75,500 |

*Source: APS 2023-2024 Teacher Salary Schedule*

Key Observations:

Minimums: The state-mandated minimums are clearly reflected: $50k for Level 1, $60k for Level 2, and $70k for Level 3.
Experience Steps: While the jumps between the license levels are significant, the step increases for experience *within* a level are more modest but provide steady growth.
Incentive for Advancement: There is a powerful financial incentive ($10,000+) for a teacher to advance from a Level 2 to a Level 3 license.

### Administrator Salaries

School administrators are on a separate salary schedule. Their pay is based on their specific role (e.g., Principal, Assistant Principal), the type of school they lead (Elementary, Middle, High School), and their years of experience in that role.

APS Administrator Salary Schedule Example (2023-2024, 215-Day Contract)

Assistant Principal, Elementary School: Ranges from $83,239 (Step 1) to $95,334 (Step 10).
Assistant Principal, High School: Ranges from $92,492 (Step 1) to $105,924 (Step 10).
Principal, Elementary School: Ranges from $99,634 (Step 1) to $114,082 (Step 10).
Principal, High School: Ranges from $116,989 (Step 1) to $133,969 (Step 10).

*Source: APS 2023-2024 Administrator Salary Schedule*

Central office administrators (Directors, etc.) have their own salary bands, often exceeding those of school-based principals, reflecting their district-wide scope of responsibility.

### Classified and Support Staff Salaries

The widest variety of roles falls under the "Classified" umbrella. These positions are typically paid on an hourly basis and are organized into pay grades. The grade is determined by the complexity, skill, and responsibility required for the job.

APS Classified Salary Schedule Examples (2023-2024, Hourly Rates)

| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |

| Cafeteria Helper | E1 | $15.00 | $17.25 |

| Custodian | E2 | $15.00 | $17.63 |

| Educational Assistant| E4 | $15.75 | $18.51 |

| Campus Security | E5 | $16.54 | $19.44 |

| Bus Driver | E6 | $18.73 | $22.01 |

| Administrative Assistant III | E7 | $19.67 | $23.11 |

| Journeyman Plumber | H8 | $28.32 | $33.28 |

| Network Technician | H6 | $25.68 | $30.18 |

*Source: APS 2023-2024 Classified Pay Grades Schedule*

This demonstrates a clear internal logic: jobs requiring more specialized skills, training, or certifications (like a Journeyman Plumber or Network Technician) are placed in higher pay grades and have significantly higher earning potential than general labor positions.

### Beyond the Base Salary: Comprehensive Compensation

An employee's total compensation at APS is more than just their salary or hourly wage. The district offers a robust benefits package that represents a significant financial value.

Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options for employees and their families.
Retirement Pension: Most APS employees are enrolled in the New Mexico Educational Retirement Board (NMERB) pension plan. This is a defined-benefit plan, a rare and valuable benefit in today's job market, providing a guaranteed income stream in retirement based on years of service and final average salary. Both the employee and APS contribute to this fund.
Paid Leave: Employees receive paid sick leave, personal leave, and holidays, with the specific amounts varying by employee group and contract.
Stipends and Differentials: As will be detailed in the next section, numerous opportunities exist to earn additional income for taking on extra duties, working in high-needs areas, or holding special qualifications.

When evaluating an offer from APS, it is crucial to consider the full value of this comprehensive package, especially the long-term security provided by the NMERB pension.

Key Factors That Influence APS Salaries

While the salary schedules provide a transparent foundation, several key factors interact to determine an individual's specific placement on those schedules and their overall earning potential. Understanding these levers is critical for anyone looking to maximize their income while working at Albuquerque Public Schools.

###

Level of Education

For licensed staff, education level is a direct and powerful driver of salary. The APS teacher salary schedule does not explicitly include columns for Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate degrees in its base structure, as the state's three-tiered licensure system is the primary determinant. However, New Mexico state law mandates salary differentials for advanced degrees, which are integrated into the system. More importantly, holding a Master's degree or Ph.D. is often a prerequisite for advancing to higher-paying administrative or specialized roles.

Impact on Teachers: While the base salary is tied to the license level, a Master's degree is a key component of the professional portfolio required to move from a Level 2 to a Level 3 license. That move comes with a $10,000 annual salary increase, making an advanced degree a high-ROI investment.
National Board Certification: Teachers who achieve the prestigious National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification are recognized as highly accomplished educators. While not a degree, this rigorous certification functions similarly to one in terms of prestige and financial reward. At APS, this often comes with a significant stipend, further increasing annual earnings.
Gateway to Administration: A Master's degree in Educational Leadership or a related field is a non-negotiable requirement for becoming a principal or assistant principal in New Mexico. This educational attainment is the key that unlocks the door to the six-figure salaries on the administrator pay scale.
Classified Staff: For many classified roles, a specific degree or certification can place an employee in a higher pay grade from day one. For example, an IT role might have different pay bands for an applicant with an associate's degree versus one with a bachelor's degree in computer science. An accounting clerk with a CPA will command a much higher salary than one without.

###

Years of Experience

The APS salary system is built on the principle of rewarding loyalty and expertise gained over time. "Steps" on the salary schedule directly correspond to credited years of service.

Teacher Salary Growth: A brand new Level 1 teacher starts at $50,000. After successfully completing their mentorship period and moving to Level 2 (usually after 2-3 years), their salary immediately jumps to $60,000. From there, the growth is incremental but steady. A Level 2 teacher with 10 years of experience earns $61,500, while one with 25+ years earns $65,500. The most significant growth comes from moving up a license level. For instance, a teacher who becomes Level 3 after 5 years will see their salary jump from $60,000 to $70,000.
Administrator Salary Growth: The trajectory is even steeper for administrators. An Assistant Principal at a high school starts at $92,492. After ten years of experience in that role, they will have progressed up the steps to $105,924, an increase of over $13,000 without changing roles.
Classified Staff Progression: Classified staff move from the "minimum" to the "mid-point" and eventually to the "maximum" of their pay grade's hourly range based on years of service. A new Bus Driver (Grade E6) starts at $18.73/hour. With experience, they can progress towards the midpoint of $22.01/hour, a 17.5% increase in their base wage over time.
Crediting Prior Experience: APS often grants credit for relevant experience from other school districts. When a veteran teacher or administrator is hired from outside APS, they are not typically started at Step 1. Their prior years of service are evaluated and they are placed on a corresponding step, ensuring they don't have to start over financially.

###

Geographic Location (Salary Competitiveness)

As APS is a single employer in a specific location, this factor is best understood as how APS salaries compare to other districts and national averages. This context is crucial for anyone relocating to Albuquerque or choosing between different employment options.

APS vs. New Mexico: APS is generally one of the highest-paying districts in New Mexico, particularly after recent state-led efforts to raise minimum teacher salaries. Salaries in smaller, more rural districts in NM may be lower than the state-mandated minimums found at APS. For example, according to Salary.com, the average public school teacher salary in Santa Fe, NM, is around $64,269 (as of late 2023), which is very competitive and in line with what an experienced Level 2 or Level 3 teacher makes at APS.
APS vs. National Average: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for high school teachers was $62,360 in May 2022. The median for elementary school teachers was $61,690. The APS starting salary of $50,000 for a new teacher is below the national median, but the Level 2 and Level 3 minimums of $60,000 and $70,000 are competitive with and even exceed the national median.
Cost of Living Advantage: A crucial piece of context is Albuquerque's cost of living. According to Payscale, the cost of living in Albuquerque is 5% lower than the national average. Housing, in particular, is 12% lower. Therefore, a $65,000 salary in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in a high-cost-of-living city like Denver or San Diego. This makes APS's compensation package more attractive than the raw numbers might suggest.

###

Job Role & Grade/Level

This is arguably the most significant factor. As demonstrated in the "Deep Dive" section, an employee's fundamental job title dictates which salary schedule they fall under.

The Licensed/Administrator Divide: The most significant pay gap is between licensed/certified staff and administrative staff. A veteran Level 3 teacher with 25+ years of experience tops out at $75,500 on the base salary schedule. An entry-level elementary school principal starts at $99,634. This highlights the substantial financial incentive for teachers to pursue a path into administration.
The Classified Grade System: Within the classified staff, the pay grade is paramount. A Grade E4 Educational Assistant starting at $15.75/hour will have a fundamentally different earnings trajectory than a Grade H6 Network Technician starting at $25.68/hour. The skills, training, and market value of the role directly determine its grade and, therefore, its pay range. An employee seeking to increase their earnings significantly within the classified system must look for opportunities to promote to a higher-graded position.

###

Area of Specialization

General salary schedules tell only part of the story. Specializations and hard-to-fill roles often come with significant pay enhancements in the form of stipends or differentials.

Special Education (SPED): Teachers and support staff who work with students with significant disabilities often receive stipends in recognition of the specialized skills and challenging nature of the work. These "hard-to-fill" positions are critical, and districts like APS use financial incentives to attract and retain qualified staff.
Bilingual Education: Given Albuquerque's diverse population, teachers with endorsements in Bilingual education or Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) are in high demand. They often receive annual stipends. The 2023-2024 APS salary schedule includes a $5,000 stipend for Bilingual and TESOL endorsements.
STEM Fields: Teachers in high-demand, high-skill secondary fields like advanced mathematics, physics, and computer science may also be eligible for recruitment and retention stipends to compete with private industry salaries.
Fine Arts Leadership: Stipends are also paid for teachers who take on leadership in fine arts programs, recognizing the extra time and expertise required to run these programs.

###

In-Demand Skills & Stipends for Extra Duties

Beyond formal specializations, APS offers numerous stipends for employees who take on responsibilities beyond their standard job description. This is a primary way for teachers, in particular, to augment their base salary.

Athletic Coaching: This is the most common and often most lucrative stipend. Head coaches for major high school sports like football or basketball can earn stipends of $5,000 to $8,000+ per season. Assistant coaches and coaches for other sports also receive substantial stipends.
Department Chairs: High school and middle school teachers who serve as the head of their academic department (e.g., English Department Chair) receive a stipend for their leadership and administrative duties. This can range from $2,000 to $4,000 annually.
Activity Sponsors: Sponsoring student clubs like debate, yearbook, student government, or chess team comes with a stipend that varies based on the time commitment involved.
Extended Learning Programs: Teachers can earn extra pay by working in after-school or summer school programs, typically paid at their daily or hourly rate of pay.

By strategically pursuing advanced degrees, gaining experience, targeting high-needs specializations, and taking on extra-duty responsibilities, an APS employee has significant agency in shaping their financial trajectory within the district's structured system.

Job Outlook and Career Growth within APS

A career at Albuquerque Public Schools offers more than just a salary; it provides a stable pathway for professional growth in a sector vital to the community's future. The job outlook for education professionals is shaped by national trends, state-level funding, and local demographic shifts.

### Job Outlook: A Stable and Essential Sector

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides a national outlook that offers valuable context for those considering a career in education.

Teachers: The BLS projects employment for elementary and middle school teachers to grow very little from 2022 to 2032, while high school teacher employment is projected to grow by 1 percent. However, these national averages can be misleading. The BLS notes that "about 47,900 openings for high school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade." These openings result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Given APS's large size and mature workforce, retirements alone create a consistent and significant number of job openings each year. Furthermore, New Mexico has faced persistent teacher shortages, particularly in high-needs areas like special education, bilingual education, and STEM, making the local outlook for qualified candidates quite strong.
Education Administrators (Principals): The BLS projects employment of elementary, middle, and high school principals to show little or no change from 2022 to 2032. However, like with teachers, openings will arise from retirements. The demand for skilled instructional leaders who can improve student outcomes and manage complex school environments remains consistently high.

The Ultimate Guide to Albuquerque Public Schools Salaries: Unlocking Your Earning Potential in 2024

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