Air Traffic Controller Salary in Clovis, NM: $140,261 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Clovis, NM earns a median $140,261/year (≈ $67.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Clovis's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $148,582 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected air traffic controller salary in Clovis stands at $140,261, reflecting a notable position relative to the national median of $151,886. Local controllers experience a salary range from $81,351 at the 10th percentile to $195,672 at the 90th percentile, indicating substantial potential for income growth. This disparity can largely be attributed to the dynamics of overtime, where controllers often work 50-60 hours per week due to chronic staffing shortages. Such conditions are prevalent in Clovis, where effective compensation strategies are crucial for attracting and retaining skilled personnel. As the local economy adjusts and air traffic demand rises, the ability to increase earnings through overtime underscores the viability of a career in air traffic control in this region.
About the Clovis Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,351 | $39.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,988 | $48.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,261 | $67.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $177,335 | $85.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $195,672 | $94.08 |
Median Salary Position
7.65% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clovis
In Clovis, NM, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $114,321 (2026 est.). At $140,261, the local median is 7.65% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clovis: You'd be above the median
How Clovis Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Clovis median: $140,261/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clovis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $147,644 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -7.65% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clovis has a cost of living 5.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clovis, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $140,261 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $148,582 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,577
2025 BLS Actual
$136,747
2026 Current Est.
$140,261
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,577 | Actual |
| 2020 | $120,439 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,820 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,129 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,866 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,746 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,747 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,261 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,866 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clovis metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $113,577 (2019) to $136,747 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,866 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,289 (26.67%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $81,351 – $100,988 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,988 – $140,261 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,261 – $177,335 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $177,335 – $195,672 |
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 Clovis
With only seven air traffic controllers employed in Clovis, the job market remains competitive but manageable. The cost of living index here is 94.4, which is below the national average, allowing for a relatively favorable purchasing power among local employees. Opportunities for higher pay often come from FAA facilities where controllers can achieve advanced certifications or select shifts that include premium differentials, particularly at terminal facilities over tower operations. Those seeking to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Clovis, NM should consider pursuing positions at FAA en route centers, known for higher pay scales, and actively applying for overtime shifts, which are often necessary amidst staffing needs. Additionally, pursuing CPC certification can significantly impact compensation potential, as controllers with this designation can access integrated pay tiers reflecting their expertise and experience.
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
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 $136,747 for air traffic controllersin the Clovis 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 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