Transportation & Logistics Santa Fe, NM Pop. 87,505

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Santa Fe, New Mexico

The median air traffic controller salary in Santa Fe, NM is $151,118 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 18.3% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$151,118
vs State Avg
+$23,355
vs National
+$13,738
Cost of Living
110%

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

Santa Fe offers a median air traffic controller salary of $151,118, which is $23,355 above the New Mexico state average of $127,763. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Santa Fe pays above average for this role.

Santa Fe's cost of living is 110% 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 Santa Fe spans from $90,200 at the 10th percentile to $217,800 at the 90th percentile — a $127,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $93,500, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $209,000. Santa Fe is a smaller market (pop. 87,505), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Santa Fe by Experience

In Santa Fe, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $93,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $209,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$93,500
+$8,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$154,000
+$14,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$209,000
+$19,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Santa Fe, NM

Percentile Santa Fe
10th Percentile $90,200
25th Percentile $118,800
Median (50th) $151,118
75th Percentile $192,500
90th Percentile $217,800

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Albuquerque, NM
$130,511
Pop. 564,559
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 Santa Fe

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Santa Fe

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Santa Fe, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Santa Fe

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Santa Fe, NM? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Santa Fe, New Mexico is $151,118 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $90,200 (10th percentile) to $217,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Santa Fe? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $151,118, a air traffic controller in Santa Fe earns approximately $73 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Santa Fe compare to the New Mexico state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Santa Fe's median air traffic controller salary of $151,118 is 18.3% above the New Mexico state average of $127,763. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Santa Fe, NM? ▼
Santa Fe has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $151,118 in Santa Fe has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Santa Fe? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Santa Fe 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.