Copperas Cove vs Houston: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Copperas Cove, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Copperas Cove, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,966 | $155,705▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $67.77 | $74.86▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,533 | $90,309▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $101,495 | $112,108▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $180,437 | $199,303▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $201,840 | $238,742▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 481▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Copperas Cove.
The salary gap between Copperas Cove and Houston is $14,739 (10.46%). Houston's median is +2.51% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Copperas Cove spans $119,307,Houston spans $148,433. Houston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($162,193 effective) pays 10.46% more than Copperas Cove ($146,840 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Copperas Cove if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($155,705/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($238,742)
- ✓Larger job market (481 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $162,193)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Copperas Cove grew 0.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -12.2% growth in Houston over the same period.
Copperas Cove, TX
$137,360 (2024) → $137,434 (2025)
Houston, TX
$172,870 (2022) → $151,804 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Copperas Cove, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Copperas Cove or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Copperas Cove and Houston?
Should I relocate from Copperas Cove to Houston as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Copperas Cove vs Houston?
Related Comparisons
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