Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Farmington, NM: $69.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Farmington, NM runs $69.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $145,567 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Farmington's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $74.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,339 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Farmington, NM, the projected median air traffic controller hourly pay for 2026 stands at $69.98, which is somewhat below the national median of $73.02. This hourly rate provides opportunities for both full-time and part-time employment. Part-time controllers working approximately three days a week can balance their professional responsibilities with personal interests while earning a competitive wage. The hourly wage ranges from $40.59 for entry-level positions to $96.05 for those at the pinnacle of their careers, indicating a robust earning potential depending on experience and location. Working environments vary widely, from en route center radar consoles that often feature dimly lit control rooms to busy airport traffic control towers offering panoramic views as they manage incoming and outgoing air traffic. With many positions available in the region, Farmington offers air traffic controllers a unique intersection of career satisfaction and compensation in the field.
About the Farmington Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.59 | $324.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.39 | $403.14 |
| Median (P50) | $69.98 | $559.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.31 | $698.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96.05 | $768.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Farmington
Based on $69.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.98/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Farmington, NM can expect to earn approximately $145,566 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,980. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Farmington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Farmington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,799.34 | $12,130 | $145,566 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,679.60 | $7,278 | $87,339 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,119.74 | $4,852 | $58,226 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Farmington) | $69.98 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Farmington, NM earn a median of $145,567 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.16% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.40% below the New Mexico state average of $147,634.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.98/hr = $87,339/year (purchasing power: $92,521).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $145,566/year (purchasing power: $154,201).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Farmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Farmington grew 20.4% from $56.67/hr (2019) to $68.23/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.78/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Farmington 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Farmington
A part-time controller in Farmington, working 24 hours per week, could take home approximately $108,000 annually, presenting a viable option for those who seek flexibility without sacrificing substantial earnings. Many controllers working in agency or per-diem roles often face the reality of enhanced earning potential through overtime—some earn up to $100K+ in annual OT, which can significantly elevate their effective pay rate above the starting base. Different types of facilities, such as FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and airport traffic control towers, are known to offer varied pay structures. For instance, supervisors and certified controllers operating in more complex environments generally command higher hourly rates. Additionally, some prefer jobs with lower hourly rates but comprehensive health benefits, while others opt for higher rates that leave them without safety nets. Negotiation for hourly pay in Farmington requires familiarity with these dynamics, emphasizing the importance of understanding the trade-offs involved in accepting contracts with varying benefits versus direct pay.
More salary data for Farmington, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Farmington. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Farmington 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