Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Carlsbad, NM: $67.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Carlsbad, NM runs $67.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,043 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Carlsbad's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,024 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carlsbad, New Mexico, the air traffic controller hourly pay is projected to be $67.33 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national hourly median of $73.02, representing a difference that may impact local job seekers and part-time workers considering their earning potential. For those working three days a week, this rate allows for a reliable income while balancing work-life commitments, particularly in environments like en route centers or airport traffic control towers. Additionally, the hourly compensation ranges from $39.05 for entry-level positions to $93.89 for top earners, revealing opportunities for financial advancement as one gains experience and expertise in this critical field.
About the Carlsbad Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.05 | $312.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.47 | $387.80 |
| Median (P50) | $67.33 | $538.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.90 | $679.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.89 | $751.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carlsbad
Based on $67.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.33/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carlsbad, NM can expect to earn approximately $140,040 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,792. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carlsbad.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carlsbad
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,693.08 | $11,670 | $140,040 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,615.85 | $7,002 | $84,024 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,077.23 | $4,668 | $56,016 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Carlsbad) | $67.33 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Carlsbad, NM earn a median of $140,043 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.80% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.20% below the New Mexico state average of $147,725.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.33/hr = $84,024/year (purchasing power: $89,009).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,040/year (purchasing power: $148,348).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Carlsbad (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Carlsbad grew 20.4% from $54.52/hr (2019) to $65.64/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.06/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carlsbad metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Carlsbad
Considering part-time job dynamics, a controller in Carlsbad working 24 hours a week would see a notable difference in earnings compared to full-time counterparts. Some air traffic controllers work substantial overtime, often leading to total compensations significantly above base rates; those at understaffed facilities may experience a sharp rise in pay, bumping their effective earnings through hours worked beyond the standard 40 per week. Whether a per diem air traffic controller pay in Carlsbad comes with negotiating avenues during training periods or balanced with the type of facility one operates in—FAA en route centers versus contract towers—these arrangements can vary widely. Often, workers may face a trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits against positions offering health insurance but lower pay. Equipped with market knowledge about the various pay scales within the local aviation sector, aspiring controllers can better navigate negotiations to secure optimal compensation according to their needs and career goals.
More salary data for Carlsbad, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Carlsbad. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Carlsbad is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov