Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Deming, NM: $66.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Deming, NM runs $66.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,811 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Deming's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,693 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Deming, New Mexico, the projected median hourly pay for air traffic controllers is $66.26, which notably lags behind the national median of $73.02. This hourly rate reflects the unique demands of the occupation, which often requires controllers to manage high-pressure situations in settings such as airport traffic control towers, en route center radar consoles, and TRACON facilities. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, pay can be substantial but may not equate to full-time earnings. The hourly range extends from $39.28 for entry-level positions to $91.42 for top earners. These figures stem from the estimated annual salaries, illustrating the middle ground faced by air traffic controllers in Deming as they balance the need for competitive compensation with the local industry's dynamics.
About the Deming 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) | $39.28 | $314.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.36 | $394.85 |
| Median (P50) | $66.26 | $530.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.41 | $667.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.42 | $731.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Deming
Based on $66.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.26/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Deming, NM can expect to earn approximately $137,821 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,512. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Deming.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Deming
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,650.41 | $11,485 | $137,821 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,590.25 | $6,891 | $82,693 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,060.16 | $4,594 | $55,129 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Deming) | $66.26 |
| 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 Deming, NM earn a median of $137,811 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.27% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 6.70% below the New Mexico state average of $147,707.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.26/hr = $82,693/year (purchasing power: $87,598).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,821/year (purchasing power: $145,997).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Deming (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Deming grew 20.4% from $53.65/hr (2019) to $64.60/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.96/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 Deming 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 Deming
Considering part-time work, an air traffic controller in Deming working a 24-hour week could earn significantly less than their full-time counterparts. The potential for overtime is a key factor in this profession; many controllers, especially in understaffed roles, routinely clock 50-60 hours each week, often leading to a substantial boost in their effective hourly compensation. Per diem opportunities, particularly during facility transfers, can further enhance a controller's income but are typically negotiated rather than standardized. Differences in hourly pay can also arise based on the type of employer; FAA en route centers and military positions may offer different incentives compared to FAA contract towers that often have fewer benefits. Many controllers weigh the trade-offs of accepting lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance versus pursuing potentially higher rates without the same coverage. For those negotiating their air traffic controller pay in Deming, it's essential to understand the local employment landscape, including the importance placed on benefits and the implications of the FG pay scale compared to the GS system.
More salary data for Deming, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Deming in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Deming?
Are air traffic controllers in Deming paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Deming?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Deming?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Mexico
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 Deming. 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 Deming 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