San Antonio vs El Paso: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between San Antonio, TX and El Paso, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Antonio, TX | El Paso, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $161,060▲ | $154,723 |
| Hourly Rate | $77.43▲ | $74.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,415▲ | $89,740 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,963▲ | $111,400 |
| 75th Percentile | $206,156▲ | $198,045 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $241,540▲ | $235,207 |
| Total Employed | 300▲ | 163 |
Verdict
San Antonio, TX offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to El Paso.
The salary gap between San Antonio and El Paso is $6,337 (4.10%). San Antonio's median is +6.04% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Antonio spans $148,125,El Paso spans $145,467. San Antonio 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, San Antonio ($167,771 effective) pays 4.10% more than El Paso ($161,170 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($161,060/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($241,540)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $167,771)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose El Paso if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in San Antonio grew 48.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 64.9% growth in El Paso over the same period.
San Antonio, TX
$105,540 (2019) → $157,024 (2025)
El Paso, TX
$91,500 (2021) → $150,846 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Antonio, TX
El Paso, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: San Antonio or El Paso?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Antonio and El Paso?
Should I relocate from San Antonio to El Paso as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in San Antonio vs El Paso?
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