Fort Worth vs Houston: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Fort Worth, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Worth, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $190,056▲ | $155,705 |
| Hourly Rate | $91.37▲ | $74.86 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $110,233▲ | $90,309 |
| 25th Percentile | $136,841▲ | $112,108 |
| 75th Percentile | $243,271▲ | $199,303 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $293,295▲ | $238,742 |
| Total Employed | 219 | 481▲ |
Verdict
Fort Worth, TX offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Fort Worth and Houston is $34,351 (22.06%). Fort Worth's median is +25.13% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Worth spans $183,062,Houston spans $148,433. Fort Worth 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, Fort Worth ($197,975 effective) pays 22.06% more than Houston ($162,193 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Worth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($190,056/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($293,295)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $197,975)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (481 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Fort Worth grew 21.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -12.2% growth in Houston over the same period.
Fort Worth, TX
$152,446 (2024) → $185,294 (2025)
Houston, TX
$172,870 (2022) → $151,804 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Worth, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Fort Worth or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Worth and Houston?
Should I relocate from Fort Worth to Houston as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Fort Worth 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