Austin vs Conroe: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Austin, TX and Conroe, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Conroe, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $155,655▲ | $147,892 |
| Hourly Rate | $74.84▲ | $71.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,280▲ | $85,777 |
| 25th Percentile | $112,072▲ | $106,482 |
| 75th Percentile | $199,238▲ | $189,057 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $238,560▲ | $211,372 |
| Total Employed | 192▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Conroe.
The salary gap between Austin and Conroe is $7,763 (5.25%). Austin's median is +2.48% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $148,280,Conroe spans $125,595. Austin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($162,141 effective) pays 5.25% more than Conroe ($154,054 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($155,655/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($238,560)
- ✓Larger job market (192 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $162,141)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Conroe if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Austin grew 0.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.1% growth in Conroe over the same period.
Austin, TX
$151,673 (2024) → $151,755 (2025)
Conroe, TX
$144,108 (2024) → $144,186 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
Conroe, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Austin or Conroe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Conroe?
Should I relocate from Austin to Conroe as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Austin vs Conroe?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov