Albuquerque vs Las Cruces: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Las Cruces, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Las Cruces, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $160,850▲ | $152,596 |
| Hourly Rate | $77.33▲ | $73.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,294▲ | $88,506 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,812▲ | $109,870 |
| 75th Percentile | $205,889▲ | $195,323 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $249,318▲ | $222,358 |
| Total Employed | 109▲ | 28 |
Verdict
Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Las Cruces.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Las Cruces is $8,254 (5.41%). Albuquerque's median is +5.90% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $156,024,Las Cruces spans $133,852. Albuquerque has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Albuquerque ($170,392 effective) pays 5.41% more than Las Cruces ($161,648 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 ($160,850/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($249,318)
- ✓Larger job market (109 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $170,392)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Albuquerque grew 19.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.2% growth in Las Cruces over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$131,590 (2024) → $156,820 (2025)
Las Cruces, NM
$124,837 (2024) → $148,773 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Las Cruces, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Albuquerque or Las Cruces?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Las Cruces?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Las Cruces as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Albuquerque vs Las Cruces?
Written by Jordan Lee, ATO
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience as an air traffic controller. He specializes in terminal area control at a major airport.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% 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, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov