Air Traffic Controller Salary in Las Cruces, NM: $152,596 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Las Cruces, NM earns a median $152,596/year (≈ $73.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Las Cruces's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $161,648 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% above the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Las Cruces, New Mexico, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $152,596, slightly above the national median of $151,886. This figure reflects a broader salary range, starting at $88,506 for the lower 10th percentile and reaching $222,358 for the top 10th percentile. These estimates, derived from state-level BLS data adjusted for regional cost variations, reveal a pay scale influenced by the facility type. En route controllers, particularly those at Level 12 facilities, tend to command higher salaries compared to terminal and tower controllers, which presents insights for aspiring professionals. As the job market evolves, the compensation figures in Las Cruces suggest opportunities for growth and advancement.
About the Las Cruces Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,506 | $42.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,870 | $52.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $152,596 | $73.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $195,323 | $93.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $222,358 | $106.90 |
Median Salary Position
0.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Las Cruces
In Las Cruces, NM, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $133,852 (2026 est.). At $152,596, the local median is 0.47% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Las Cruces: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Las Cruces Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Las Cruces median: $152,596/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Las Cruces Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $147,722 | +3.30% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +0.47% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Las Cruces, NM earn a median of $152,596 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.47% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.30% above the New Mexico state average of $147,722.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Las Cruces 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.
Las Cruces, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $152,596 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $161,648 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$123,566
2025 BLS Actual
$148,773
2026 Current Est.
$152,596
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Las Cruces (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $123,566 | Actual |
| 2020 | $131,030 | Actual |
| 2021 | $130,357 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,869 | Actual |
| 2023 | $138,023 | Actual |
| 2024 | $124,837 | Actual |
| 2025 | $148,773 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $152,596 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $156,518 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Las Cruces metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $123,566 (2019) to $148,773 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $156,518 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,952 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Las Cruces 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) | $88,506 – $109,870 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,870 – $152,596 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $152,596 – $195,323 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $195,323 – $222,358 |
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 Las Cruces
A total of 28 air traffic controllers are currently employed in Las Cruces, contributing to a competitive job environment. The local cost of living index, at 94.4, indicates that living expenses are below the national average, allowing for stronger purchasing power among controllers. Employers such as FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control facilities are typically the highest payers in the area. Factors like facility level, CPC certification, and shift differentials significantly influence salary variance. For instance, controllers can earn additional pay for working nights, weekends, or holidays, adding to their annual earnings, while overtime is frequently available due to ongoing staffing challenges. Those entering the field can maximize their pay by pursuing assignments at en route facilities and securing CPC certification, especially given the projected 2.57% growth rate in salaries over the next five years.
More salary data for Las Cruces, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $148,773 for air traffic controllersin the Las Cruces 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 Las Cruces 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