1. Air Traffic Controllers
Air traffic controllers are the unsung heroes responsible for every safe flight. Throughout the journey, these unseen heroes coordinate aircraft flights, create routes, and communicate with pilots.
They are in charge of guiding aircraft through their pre-planned flight paths and alerting them when they deviate.
In an emergency, air traffic controllers must also communicate with pilots and vice versa. They must be proactive because prompt action can save hundreds of lives.
Related: A private pilot is another exciting career option in a similar field. Try this course to kickstart your career.
Occupational Summary
2021 Median Pay for New Mexico: $75,471 per year ($36.28 per hour)
2021 national salary for Air Traffic Controllers:
Source: Zippia
Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate's degree
Job Outlook, 2020-30: The employment of air traffic controllers is expected to grow by 4% between 2020 and 2030, which is slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite slow job growth, an average of 2,500 air traffic controller job openings are expected per year over the next decade.
What Air Traffic Controllers do
An air traffic controller is a professional who oversees and directs airspace traffic while maintaining an active line of communication with aircraft to ensure safe and efficient air travel.
An air traffic controller's responsibilities generally revolve around using technology to monitor flight paths, weather, and airport runways to guide pilots and airport personnel, coordinating with other control officers, inspecting and maintaining instruments and equipment in good condition, and alerting departments and assigned personnel in the event of an emergency.
Top 10 New Mexico cities paying the highest Air Traffic Controller salaries
- Santa Fe, NM $75,795
- Tesuque, NM $75,795
- Glorieta, NM $75,474
- Lamy, NM $75,314
- White Rock, NM $75,314
- Tererro, NM $75,233
- Kirtland Afb, NM $75,089
- Albuquerque, NM $75,089
- Pecos, NM $75,073
- Corrales, NM $75,009
New Mexico ranks 14th best nationwide for Air Traffic Controllers
Source: Zippia
2. Construction Managers
As a construction manager, you are in charge of coordinating, planning, and supervising the start and end of a project. Your job entails planning the work, organizing the work schedule, cost, and budget, and supervising the materials and equipment.
You have the authority to coordinate and direct construction workers and subcontractors, oversee all construction on and off-site for accountability, and review work progress daily.
Your job requires you to plan ahead of time to avoid problems and respond to emergencies.
Furthermore, you must thoroughly review the work in order to estimate the cost and scheduled deliveries. The manager is in charge of selecting tools, materials, equipment, and inventory for the project's workflow.
Occupational Summary
2021 Median Pay for New Mexico: $66,169 per year ($31.81 per hour)
2021 national salary for Construction Managers:
Source: Zippia
Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate's degree (Bachelor’s degree to advance career)
Job Outlook, 2020-30: Construction managers' employment is expected to grow 11% between 2020 and 2030, faster than the national average.
An average of 38,900 construction manager job openings are expected over the next ten years.
What Construction Managers do
A construction manager oversees a construction site and its workers, ensuring workforce and overall operations efficiency. They meet and coordinate with architects, contractors, and clients in an office on the construction site.
They must also hire the necessary workforce, identify and resolve problems, maintain daily reports and client communication, and prioritize a safe work environment.
Above all, they must ensure that all required protocols are followed, including the completion time and budget.
Top 10 New Mexico cities paying the highest Construction Manager salaries
- Tesuque, NM $104,779
- Santa Fe, NM $104,779
- Glorieta, NM $104,336
- White Rock, NM $104,114
- Lamy, NM $104,114
- Tererro, NM $104,003
- Kirtland Afb, NM $103,804
- Albuquerque, NM $103,804
- Pecos, NM $103,781
- Corrales, NM $103,693
Top 10 companies in New Mexico hiring Construction Managers
- CDM Smith
- Black & Veatch
- CBRE Group
- AECOM
- Meta
- Plains All American Pipeline
- PulteGroup
- Planate Management Group LLC
- WAREHOUSE ASSOCIATES
- Kelley Construction
Related: Top 10 Easy Career Change Ideas for Construction Workers
New Mexico ranks 47th best nationwide for Construction Managers
Source: Zippia
3. Radiation Therapists
A Radiation Therapist, also known as a Therapeutic Radiographer, is a radiation specialist who typically works as part of an oncology team within medical facilities.
The main responsibility of the Therapist is to provide radiation treatment and therapy to all individuals in collaboration with the expertise and advice of the patient's oncologist.
This includes explaining the treatment to patients and their families, connecting with them, answering their questions, as well as using equipment to monitor the patient's progress or changes, and reporting on the changes to the head doctor.
They also maintain and test the equipment used for monitoring and treatment delivery on a regular basis, and they read about new research and discoveries in the field of oncology to improve their own medical understanding as well as the quality and method of their work.
Related: Start earning quickly - How to Become a Line Worker in New Mexico
Unmudl Tip: Many New Mexico linemen receive their education and training from local community colleges, which allow them to learn the necessary skills in a short period of time and begin working as soon as possible.
Occupational Summary
2021 Median Pay for New Mexico: $83,188 per year ($39.99 per hour)
2021 national salary for Radiation Therapists:
Source: Zippia
Typical Entry-Level Education: Associate's degree
Job Outlook, 2020-30: Radiation therapist employment is expected to grow at a rate of 9% between 2020 and 2030, which is about average for all occupations.
There are expected to be over 1,100 opportunities for radiation therapists over the next ten years.
What Radiation Therapists do
A radiation therapist is a medical professional who works in hospitals or cancer treatment centers and uses radiation to treat cancer and other diseases in patients.
Radiation therapists must explain treatment plans to patients and perform x-ray tests on patients to determine the precise location of the area that requires treatment.
They must inspect radiation machines to ensure that they are safe and functional. Radiation therapists must also adhere to safety protocols in order to protect both patients and themselves from overexposure.
Top 10 New Mexico cities paying the highest Radiation Therapist salaries
- Tesuque, NM $82,360
- Santa Fe, NM $82,360
- Glorieta, NM $82,012
- White Rock, NM $81,837
- Lamy, NM $81,837
- Tererro, NM $81,750
- Kirtland Afb, NM $81,593
- Albuquerque, NM $81,593
- Pecos, NM $81,576
- Corrales, NM $81,506
Top 9 companies in New Mexico hiring Radiation Therapists
- Connected Health Care, LLC
- Deacon Recruiting
- Ardent Health Services
- Presbyterian Healthcare Services
- KPG Healthcare
- Unm Medical Group
- Gila Regional Medical Center
- Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center
- K.A. Recruiting
New Mexico ranks 23rd best nationwide for Radiation Therapists
Source: Zippia