Air Traffic Controller Salary in Los Alamos, NM: $136,134 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Los Alamos, NM earns a median $136,134/year (≈ $65.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Los Alamos's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $144,210 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.8% below the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller salary in Los Alamos, NM, is projected to reach a median of $136,134, presenting a competitive option for those considering a career in air traffic control. With a salary range extending from $78,957 at the lower end (P10) to $189,425 at the high end (P90), the compensation offers substantial potential, particularly for controllers who progress to CPC status. The figures outlined are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic factors, highlighting the local nuances of the job market. Those entering the field can expect a structured pay scale that allows them to reach full pay within 1 to 3 years, underscoring the investment made in training and development.
About the Los Alamos Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,957 | $37.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,370 | $47.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,134 | $65.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $172,362 | $82.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $189,425 | $91.07 |
Median Salary Position
10.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Los Alamos
In Los Alamos, NM, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $110,468 (2026 est.). At $136,134, the local median is 10.37% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Los Alamos: You'd be above the median
How Los Alamos Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Los Alamos median: $136,134/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Los Alamos Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $147,651 | -7.80% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -10.37% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Los Alamos, NM earn a median of $136,134 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.37% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 7.80% below the New Mexico state average of $147,651.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Los Alamos 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.
Los Alamos, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $136,134 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $144,210 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,235
2025 BLS Actual
$132,723
2026 Current Est.
$136,134
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Los Alamos (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,235 | Actual |
| 2020 | $116,894 | Actual |
| 2021 | $116,294 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,535 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,133 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,370 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,723 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,134 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,633 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Los Alamos metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $110,235 (2019) to $132,723 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,633 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,398 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Los Alamos 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) | $78,957 – $99,370 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,370 – $136,134 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,134 – $172,362 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $172,362 – $189,425 |
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 Los Alamos
Currently, there are six air traffic controllers employed in Los Alamos, a relatively small workforce that reflects specific local hiring dynamics. With a cost-of-living index of 94.4, controllers in the area may find that their salaries afford them a reasonable purchasing power, albeit slightly below the national average. Employment options primarily include FAA facilities, where en route centers typically offer the highest pay, followed by terminal and tower positions. Compensation can vary greatly depending on factors such as facility level, certification status, and shift differentials. To maximize their salary, controllers should consider working in roles that provide the most overtime opportunities and strive to achieve CPC certification as soon as possible, which significantly boosts earning potential and aligns with broader hiring trends in the FAA.
More salary data for Los Alamos, 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 $132,723 for air traffic controllersin the Los Alamos 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 Los Alamos 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