Houston vs Fort Worth: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Houston, TX and Fort Worth, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Fort Worth, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $155,705 | $190,056▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $74.86 | $91.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,309 | $110,233▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $112,108 | $136,841▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $199,303 | $243,271▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $238,742 | $293,295▲ |
| Total Employed | 481▲ | 219 |
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 Houston and Fort Worth 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 Houston spans $148,433,Fort Worth spans $183,062. Fort Worth 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, 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 Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (481 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
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
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Houston grew -12.2% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 21.5% growth in Fort Worth over the same period.
Houston, TX
$172,870 (2022) → $151,804 (2025)
Fort Worth, TX
$152,446 (2024) → $185,294 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Fort Worth, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Houston or Fort Worth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Fort Worth?
Should I relocate from Houston to Fort Worth as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Houston vs Fort Worth?
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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