Las Cruces vs Santa Fe: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Las Cruces, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Cruces, NM | Santa Fe, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $152,596▲ | $149,131 |
| Hourly Rate | $73.37▲ | $71.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,506▲ | $86,496 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,870▲ | $107,374 |
| 75th Percentile | $195,323▲ | $190,887 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $222,358▲ | $217,581 |
| Total Employed | 28▲ | 20 |
Verdict
Las Cruces, NM offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Fe.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and Santa Fe is $3,465 (2.32%). Las Cruces's median is +0.47% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Las Cruces spans $133,852,Santa Fe spans $131,085. Las Cruces 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, Las Cruces ($161,648 effective) pays 2.32% more than Santa Fe ($157,978 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($152,596/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($222,358)
- ✓Larger job market (28 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $161,648)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Fe 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 Las Cruces grew 19.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.2% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$124,837 (2024) → $148,773 (2025)
Santa Fe, NM
$122,002 (2024) → $145,394 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Las Cruces or Santa Fe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Las Cruces and Santa Fe?
Should I relocate from Las Cruces to Santa Fe as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Las Cruces 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