Transportation & Logistics Rio Rancho, NM Pop. 104,046

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Rio Rancho, New Mexico

The median air traffic controller salary in Rio Rancho, NM is $126,390 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 1.1% below the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$126,390
vs State Avg
$-1,373
vs National
$-10,990
Cost of Living
92%

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

Rio Rancho offers a median air traffic controller salary of $126,390, which is $1,373 below the New Mexico state average of $127,763. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Rio Rancho pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rio Rancho's cost of living is 92% 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 Rio Rancho spans from $75,440 at the 10th percentile to $182,160 at the 90th percentile — a $106,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $78,200, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $174,800. With a population of 104,046, Rio Rancho is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Rio Rancho by Experience

In Rio Rancho, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $78,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $174,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$78,200
$-6,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$128,800
$-11,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$174,800
$-15,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rio Rancho, NM

Percentile Rio Rancho
10th Percentile $75,440
25th Percentile $99,360
Median (50th) $126,390
75th Percentile $161,000
90th Percentile $182,160

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$151,118
Pop. 87,505
Albuquerque, NM
$130,511
Pop. 564,559
Las Cruces, NM
$120,894
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$112,652
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Rio Rancho

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Rio Rancho

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Rio Rancho, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Rio Rancho

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Rio Rancho, NM? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Rio Rancho, New Mexico is $126,390 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $75,440 (10th percentile) to $182,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Rio Rancho? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $126,390, a air traffic controller in Rio Rancho earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rio Rancho compare to the New Mexico state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Rio Rancho's median air traffic controller salary of $126,390 is 1.1% below the New Mexico state average of $127,763. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rio Rancho, NM? ▼
Rio Rancho has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $126,390 in Rio Rancho 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 Rio Rancho? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Rio Rancho 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.