Houston vs The Colony: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Houston, TX and The Colony, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | The Colony, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $155,705▲ | $142,618 |
| Hourly Rate | $74.86▲ | $68.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,309▲ | $82,719 |
| 25th Percentile | $112,108▲ | $102,685 |
| 75th Percentile | $199,303▲ | $179,911 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $238,742▲ | $198,297 |
| Total Employed | 481▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to The Colony.
The salary gap between Houston and The Colony is $13,087 (9.18%). 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,The Colony spans $115,578. 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 9.18% more than The Colony ($148,560 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 The Colony 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 The Colony over the same period.
Houston, TX
$172,870 (2022) → $151,804 (2025)
The Colony, TX
$138,970 (2024) → $139,045 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
The Colony, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Houston or The Colony?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and The Colony?
Should I relocate from Houston to The Colony as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Houston vs The Colony?
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