Air Traffic Controller Salary

Dallas vs Georgetown: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)

Compare air traffic controller salaries between Dallas, TX and Georgetown, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dallas, TX
$191,303
$91.97/hr
Georgetown, TX
$145,131
$69.78/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXGeorgetown, TX
Median Salary$191,303$145,131
Hourly Rate$91.97$69.78
Entry Level (P10)$99,534$84,176
25th Percentile$148,019$104,494
75th Percentile$208,904$185,769
Top Earner (P90)$229,449$216,762
Total Employed80012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($191,303) and Georgetown ($145,131) air traffic controller salaries.DallasGeorgetownMedian Salary$191,303$145,131Entry Level (P10)$99,534$84,176Top Earner (P90)$229,449$216,762US Median $151,886

Verdict

Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Georgetown.

The salary gap between Dallas and Georgetown is $46,172 (31.81%). 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,Georgetown spans $132,586. Georgetown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$99,534
P25$148,019
Median$191,303
P75$208,904
P90 (Top)$229,449
Georgetown
P10 (Entry)$84,176
P25$104,494
Median$145,131
P75$185,769
P90 (Top)$216,762

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($185,569 effective) pays 22.75% more than Georgetown ($151,178 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $191,303
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $185,569
Georgetown
Nominal: $145,131
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $151,178

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 Georgetown 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 Georgetown over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+25.6%

$148,480 (2019) → $186,510 (2025)

Georgetown, TX

+0.1%

$141,419 (2024) → $141,495 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Dallas or Georgetown?

Dallas has a higher median air traffic controller salary at $191,303/year, compared to Georgetown at $145,131/year — a difference of $46,172 (31.81%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Georgetown?

Dallas air traffic controllers earn $91.97/hr while Georgetown hygienists earn $69.78/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dallas to Georgetown as a air traffic controller?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Georgetown. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $185,569, Georgetown = $151,178), job availability (800 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Dallas vs Georgetown?

Entry-level (10th percentile) air traffic controllers earn $99,534 in Dallas and $84,176 in Georgetown. The Dallas area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

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