Dallas vs Denton: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Dallas, TX and Denton, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Denton, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $191,303▲ | $144,989 |
| Hourly Rate | $91.97▲ | $69.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,534▲ | $84,093 |
| 25th Percentile | $148,019▲ | $104,392 |
| 75th Percentile | $208,904▲ | $185,586 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $229,449▲ | $214,705 |
| Total Employed | 800▲ | 33 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Denton.
The salary gap between Dallas and Denton is $46,314 (31.94%). Dallas's median is +25.95% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $129,915,Denton spans $130,612. Denton 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, Dallas ($185,569 effective) pays 22.87% more than Denton ($151,030 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($191,303/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($229,449)
- ✓Larger job market (800 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $185,569)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Denton if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Dallas grew 25.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.1% growth in Denton over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$148,480 (2019) → $186,510 (2025)
Denton, TX
$141,279 (2024) → $141,356 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
Denton, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Dallas or Denton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Denton?
Should I relocate from Dallas to Denton as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Dallas vs Denton?
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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