Hobbs vs Santa Fe: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Hobbs, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hobbs, NM | Santa Fe, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,620 | $149,131▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $69.05 | $71.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,299 | $86,496▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $107,036 | $107,374▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $183,833 | $190,887▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $207,244 | $217,581▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 20▲ |
Verdict
Santa Fe, NM offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hobbs.
The salary gap between Hobbs and Santa Fe is $5,511 (3.84%). Santa Fe's median is -1.81% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hobbs spans $123,945,Santa Fe spans $131,085. Santa Fe has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Santa Fe ($157,978 effective) pays 3.84% more than Hobbs ($152,140 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hobbs if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($149,131/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($217,581)
- ✓Larger job market (20 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $157,978)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Hobbs grew 19.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.2% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.
Hobbs, NM
$117,493 (2024) → $140,021 (2025)
Santa Fe, NM
$122,002 (2024) → $145,394 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Hobbs or Santa Fe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hobbs and Santa Fe?
Should I relocate from Hobbs to Santa Fe as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Hobbs vs Santa Fe?
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