Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Clovis, NM: $67.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Clovis, NM runs $67.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,261 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Clovis's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,152 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clovis, New Mexico, air traffic controllers command a median hourly pay of $67.43, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $73.02. This rate is indicative of the area's cost of living and reflects the opportunities available for both full-time and part-time workers. Controllers operating from various environments—such as en route center radar consoles, TRACON radar facilities, and airport traffic control towers—may find their opportunities impacted by their work arrangement. For part-time employees working three days a week, or those in per-diem roles, earnings can fluctuate significantly, depending on the hours logged. Hourly pay ranges from $39.11 for entry-level positions to $94.08 for the highest earners, providing options for a variety of experience levels in the field.
About the Clovis 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) | $39.11 | $312.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.56 | $388.45 |
| Median (P50) | $67.43 | $539.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.26 | $682.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.08 | $752.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clovis
Based on $67.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.43/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clovis, NM can expect to earn approximately $140,253 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,915. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Clovis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clovis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,697.18 | $11,688 | $140,253 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,618.31 | $7,013 | $84,152 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,078.87 | $4,675 | $56,101 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Clovis) | $67.43 |
| 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 Clovis, NM earn a median of $140,261 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.65% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.00% below the New Mexico state average of $147,644.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.43/hr = $84,152/year (purchasing power: $89,144).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,253/year (purchasing power: $148,574).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Clovis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Clovis grew 20.4% from $54.60/hr (2019) to $65.74/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.16/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 Clovis 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 Clovis
When considering part-time positions, an air traffic controller working 24 hours a week in Clovis could expect to take home approximately $104,000 annually, a respectable income compared to many other professions. Additionally, per-diem air traffic controller pay in Clovis can vary based on agency contracts and facility demands. Controllers are often compensated for overtime hours, frequently clocking in 50 to 60 hours per week, significantly enhancing their take-home pay. Furthermore, hourly compensation varies between employers; FAA en route centers typically offer higher pay than smaller ATCTs or contract towers. Potential controllers should weigh the benefits of job security and health insurance against higher pay without benefits, particularly when negotiating their hourly rate. Given the chronic staffing shortages, there can also be room for negotiation based on the facility's current needs and the critical role that controllers fulfill in managing air traffic safety.
More salary data for Clovis, 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 Clovis. 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 Clovis 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