Houston vs Plano: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Houston, TX and Plano, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Plano, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $155,705▲ | $152,317 |
| Hourly Rate | $74.86▲ | $73.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,309▲ | $88,345 |
| 25th Percentile | $112,108▲ | $109,669 |
| 75th Percentile | $199,303▲ | $194,966 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $238,742▲ | $225,179 |
| Total Employed | 481▲ | 57 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Plano.
The salary gap between Houston and Plano is $3,388 (2.22%). 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,Plano spans $136,834. 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 2.22% more than Plano ($158,664 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 Plano 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 Plano over the same period.
Houston, TX
$172,870 (2022) → $151,804 (2025)
Plano, TX
$148,420 (2024) → $148,501 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Houston or Plano?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Plano?
Should I relocate from Houston to Plano as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Houston vs Plano?
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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