Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Clovis, NM: $195,672 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Clovis, NM — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $195,672/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Clovis's price premium (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $207,280 in average-cost America. The 40% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Clovis offers an intriguing opportunity for seasoned air traffic controllers aiming for top-tier pay. In 2026, senior air traffic controllers can anticipate a median annual salary of $140,261, with the potential to earn as much as $195,672, placing them significantly within the high end of the salary spectrum. This upper echelon represents a notable gap compared to the median, illustrating the financial rewards that come with an extensive career in this critical role. Achieving these top earnings typically requires not just years of experience but also specialization in areas such as en route or radar operations, elevating controllers to the ranks of the highest earners in Clovis.
About the Clovis Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clovis
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Clovis earn between $177,335 and $195,672 per year (2026 est.). This $114,321 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Clovis median of $140,261 sits 7.65% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Clovis | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $140,261 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $177,335 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $195,672 | $221,151 |
In Clovis, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 39.51% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Clovis
Advanced Certifications in New Mexico
NM air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $140,261 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Clovis employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Clovis command premium compensation, often reaching the $177,335–$195,672 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Clovis metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Clovis with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Air Traffic Controllers in New Mexico who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Clovis
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedClovis ranks #10 of 17 New Mexico cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $195,672).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Clovis ($195,672) is 13.28% below the New Mexico average P90 ($225,649).
2019 BLS Actual
$156,006
2025 BLS Actual
$190,769
2026 Current Est.
$195,672
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
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 | $156,006 | Actual |
| 2020 | $163,491 | Actual |
| 2021 | $164,562 | Actual |
| 2022 | $167,933 | Actual |
| 2023 | $177,833 | Actual |
| 2024 | $159,997 | Actual |
| 2025 | $190,769 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $195,672 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $200,701 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Clovis saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $156,006 in 2019 to $190,769 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $200,701 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Clovis
In New Mexico, various factors influence the senior air traffic controller pay landscape. Specializations such as en route and terminal radar control consistently command premium compensation, reflecting the complexity and skill required for these roles. Comparison across different employers highlights significant pay variations; controllers in FAA en route centers often earn more than their counterparts in terminal radar approach control facilities or military installations. Advancement opportunities abound; a controller can move from being a developmental controller to a certified professional controller, and further into supervisory or managerial roles. Advanced credentials like CPC status can also enhance salary, while factors such as overtime pay and shift differentials play significant roles in overall compensation. As the industry remains affected by chronic understaffing, the demand for experienced professionals in Clovis will likely keep salaries competitive and enticing for those looking to secure a robust career in air traffic control.
More salary data for Clovis, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Clovis in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Clovis?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Clovis?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Clovis?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Clovis?
Related Pages
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $190,769 for air traffic controllers in the Clovis metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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