Transportation & Logistics Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median air traffic controller salary in Albuquerque, NM is $130,511 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$130,511
vs State Avg
+$2,748
vs National
$-6,869
Cost of Living
95%

Air Traffic Controller Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median air traffic controller salary of $130,511, which is $2,748 above the New Mexico state average of $127,763. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Albuquerque pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Albuquerque's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Albuquerque spans from $77,900 at the 10th percentile to $188,100 at the 90th percentile — a $110,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $80,750, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $180,500. As a major metro area with a population of 564,559, Albuquerque typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $80,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $180,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$80,750
$-4,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$133,000
$-7,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$180,500
$-9,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $77,900
25th Percentile $102,600
Median (50th) $130,511
75th Percentile $166,250
90th Percentile $188,100

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$151,118
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$126,390
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$120,894
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$112,652
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Albuquerque

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Albuquerque and the surrounding New Mexico area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Radar SystemsCommunicationDecision MakingStress ManagementFAA RegulationsSituational Awareness

Job Outlook

Nationally, air traffic controller employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Albuquerque may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Albuquerque, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $130,511 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $77,900 (10th percentile) to $188,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $130,511, a air traffic controller in Albuquerque earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median air traffic controller salary of $130,511 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $127,763. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
Albuquerque has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $130,511 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Albuquerque? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Albuquerque require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Radar Systems, Communication, Decision Making, Stress Management. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.