Air Traffic Controller Salary in Mesquite, NV: $140,407 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Mesquite, NV earns a median $140,407/year (≈ $67.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Mesquite's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.3), that paycheck buys what $142,835 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the Nevada state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mesquite, NV, the 2026 median air traffic controller salary is projected at $140,407, reflecting a competitive market that offers a range from $81,436 at the 10th percentile to $195,814 at the 90th percentile. While this figure positions local salaries slightly below the national median of $151,886, the effective compensation can be enhanced by the regional demands classified under FAA operations. Controllers here often face significant workloads, working 50-60 hour weeks due to chronic understaffing, which allows for substantial overtime opportunities. This reality enables many in the field to maximize their earning potential, helping to balance the cost of living in Mesquite, which has a cost index of 98.3, slightly below the national average.
About the Mesquite Market
Salary estimated from Nevada average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,436 | $39.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,951 | $50.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,407 | $67.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $172,858 | $83.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $195,814 | $94.14 |
Median Salary Position
7.56% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mesquite
In Mesquite, NV, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $114,378 (2026 est.). At $140,407, the local median is 7.56% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mesquite: You'd be above the median
How Mesquite Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Mesquite median: $140,407/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mesquite Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada Average | $149,369 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -7.56% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Mesquite, NV earn a median of $140,407 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.56% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 6.00% below the Nevada state average of $149,369.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mesquite has a cost of living 1.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Mesquite, NV has a cost-of-living index of 98.3 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $140,407 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $142,835 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.73% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,695
2025 BLS Actual
$136,889
2026 Current Est.
$140,407
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Mesquite (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,695 | Actual |
| 2020 | $120,564 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,944 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,255 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,998 | Actual |
| 2024 | $136,815 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,889 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,407 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,016 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mesquite metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $113,695 (2019) to $136,889 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,016 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,321 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mesquite 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $81,436 – $105,951 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,951 – $140,407 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,407 – $172,858 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $172,858 – $195,814 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Mesquite
Analyzing the local job market reveals that only six air traffic controllers are currently employed in Mesquite, making the competition for positions more pronounced. The lower cost of living is advantageous, but it’s essential to consider local employer structures—the FAA's en route centers typically offer the highest pay among various facilities. The spread in salaries can largely be attributed to structural factors such as facility tiers, CPC certification, shift differentials, and mandatory overtime. To enhance earning potential, controllers should strategically pursue employment at high-tier FAA facilities or consider additional certifications, and leverage overtime opportunities. This proactive approach is vital, especially within the unique dynamics of the Mesquite air traffic controller pay landscape.
More salary data for Mesquite, NV:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $136,889 for air traffic controllersin the Mesquite metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mesquite 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