Transportation & Logistics Las Cruces, NM Pop. 111,385

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico

The median air traffic controller salary in Las Cruces, NM is $120,894 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 5.4% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$120,894
vs State Avg
$-6,869
vs National
$-16,486
Cost of Living
88%

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

Las Cruces offers a median air traffic controller salary of $120,894, which is $6,869 below the New Mexico state average of $127,763. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Las Cruces pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Las Cruces's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $120,894 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $137,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Las Cruces an attractive option for air traffic controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Las Cruces spans from $72,160 at the 10th percentile to $174,240 at the 90th percentile — a $102,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,800, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $167,200. With a population of 111,385, Las Cruces is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Las Cruces by Experience

In Las Cruces, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $74,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $167,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,800
$-10,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$123,200
$-16,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$167,200
$-22,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Las Cruces, NM

Percentile Las Cruces
10th Percentile $72,160
25th Percentile $95,040
Median (50th) $120,894
75th Percentile $154,000
90th Percentile $174,240

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$151,118
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$130,511
Pop. 564,559
Rio Rancho, NM
$126,390
Pop. 104,046
Roswell, NM
$112,652
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Las Cruces

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Las Cruces 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 Las Cruces may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Las Cruces

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Las Cruces, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Las Cruces

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Las Cruces, New Mexico is $120,894 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $72,160 (10th percentile) to $174,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Las Cruces? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $120,894, a air traffic controller in Las Cruces earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Las Cruces compare to the New Mexico state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Las Cruces's median air traffic controller salary of $120,894 is 5.4% below the New Mexico state average of $127,763. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Las Cruces, NM? ▼
Las Cruces has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $120,894 in Las Cruces 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 Las Cruces? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Las Cruces 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.