Houston vs North Richland Hills: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Houston, TX and North Richland Hills, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | North Richland Hills, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $155,705▲ | $141,264 |
| Hourly Rate | $74.86▲ | $67.91 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,309▲ | $81,933 |
| 25th Percentile | $112,108▲ | $101,709 |
| 75th Percentile | $199,303▲ | $180,818 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $238,742▲ | $203,414 |
| Total Employed | 481▲ | 17 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to North Richland Hills.
The salary gap between Houston and North Richland Hills is $14,441 (10.22%). 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 Houston spans $148,433,North Richland Hills spans $121,481. Houston 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, Houston ($162,193 effective) pays 10.22% more than North Richland Hills ($147,150 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose North Richland Hills if…
- ✓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 0.1% growth in North Richland Hills over the same period.
Houston, TX
$172,870 (2022) → $151,804 (2025)
North Richland Hills, TX
$137,649 (2024) → $137,724 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
North Richland Hills, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Houston or North Richland Hills?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and North Richland Hills?
Should I relocate from Houston to North Richland Hills as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Houston vs North Richland Hills?
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