📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Texas (2026)

Texas · 5.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$131,651
per year
Median
$125,856
per year
Hourly
$63.29
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$73,274
25th Percentile — Junior$94,744
50th Percentile — Median$125,856
75th Percentile — Senior$143,051
90th Percentile — Top Earners$161,236
💡 Top-earning Air Traffic Controllers in Texas make up to $161,236 per year. The job market in Texas is rated strong, with key industries including Energy, Technology, Healthcare.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$116.4k
2021
$119.3k
2022
$122.3k
2023
$125.3k
2024
$128.4k
2025
$131.7k
2026
📈 Air Traffic Controller salaries in Texas have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong demand in Texas's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Air Traffic Controller Salary by City in Texas
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Houston $127,701 -3.0% High
San Antonio $118,486 -10.0% High
Dallas $130,334 -1.0% High
Austin $142,183 +8.0% High
Fort Worth $126,385 -4.0% High
El Paso $107,954 -18.0% High
Arlington $127,701 -3.0% High
Corpus Christi $114,536 -13.0% High
Plano $134,284 +2.0% High
Laredo $105,321 -20.0% High
Lubbock $107,954 -18.0% High
Garland $125,068 -5.0% High
🔍
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Texas
Key factors affecting compensation

Texas is home to a strong job market for Air Traffic Controllers. The state's key industries — Energy, Technology, Healthcare — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $131,651 per year, Texas's Air Traffic Controller salaries are 5.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Texas (index: 0.95) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Texas can expect to earn $73,274–$94,744, while experienced Air Traffic Controllers can command $143,051–$161,236.

Looking ahead, the Air Traffic Controller profession in Texas is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Energy continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Air Traffic Controller salary in Texas is $131,651 per year in 2026, which is 5.0% below the national average of $138,580.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Air Traffic Controllers the highest wages in Texas due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Texas has a strong job market with major industries in Energy, Technology, Healthcare. This makes it one of the better states for Air Traffic Controller employment.
  • At $131,651/year, Texas Air Traffic Controller salaries are 5.0% lower than the national average of $138,580/year.