Las Vegas vs Mesquite: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Las Vegas, NV and Mesquite, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Vegas, NV | Mesquite, NV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $159,496▲ | $140,407 |
| Hourly Rate | $76.68▲ | $67.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,498▲ | $81,436 |
| 25th Percentile | $123,207▲ | $105,951 |
| 75th Percentile | $186,934▲ | $172,858 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $205,304▲ | $195,814 |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Las Vegas, NV offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mesquite.
The salary gap between Las Vegas and Mesquite is $19,089 (13.60%). Las Vegas's median is +5.01% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Las Vegas spans $106,806,Mesquite spans $114,378. Mesquite 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, Las Vegas ($159,154 effective) pays 11.42% more than Mesquite ($142,835 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Las Vegas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($159,496/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($205,304)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $159,154)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Choose Mesquite if…
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Las Vegas grew 18.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.1% growth in Mesquite over the same period.
Las Vegas, NV
$131,680 (2019) → $155,500 (2025)
Mesquite, NV
$136,815 (2024) → $136,889 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Vegas, NV
Mesquite, NV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Las Vegas or Mesquite?
What is the hourly rate difference between Las Vegas and Mesquite?
Should I relocate from Las Vegas to Mesquite as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Las Vegas vs Mesquite?
Related Comparisons
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