Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Arlington, TX: $108,714 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Arlington, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $108,714 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Arlington's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $113,244 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($187,438) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
While pursuing a career as an air traffic controller in Arlington, Texas, new graduates can expect a starting salary of approximately $108,714. Although this entry-level pay is significantly lower than the overall city median of $187,438, aspiring controllers have notable opportunities for growth in their early years. With a trajectory that could see them earning around $134,955 shortly after entering the profession, those just starting out can realistically expect to reach the median salary within 3 to 5 years. Given the competitive nature of air traffic control positions, Arlington remains an attractive market for newcomers due to strong federal recruitment efforts and the demand for skilled professionals in this vital field.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Arlington
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arlington
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Arlington, TX typically start between $108,714 and $134,955 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $175,157 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $187,438 — 23.41% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Texas of $38,000 represents just 34.95% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($108,714/year) in Arlington. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Arlington
- 1Research the Arlington market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $108,714 to $134,955, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Arlington, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Arlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Arlington's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Arlington is $175,157 ( 161.12%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $108,714, experienced hygienists can earn up to $283,871.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$92,353
2025 BLS Actual
$105,990
2026 Current Est.
$108,714
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92,353 | Actual |
| 2020 | $98,340 | Actual |
| 2021 | $97,151 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,462 | Actual |
| 2023 | $102,976 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,779 | Actual |
| 2025 | $105,990 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $108,714 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $111,508 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Arlington, TX grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $92,353 in 2019 to $105,990 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $111,508. New graduates entering the Arlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arlington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your aviation Career in Arlington
In Arlington, the FAA serves as the primary employer for new air traffic controllers, hiring through various pathways that cater to recent graduates. The Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program partners with select universities, allowing students to be directly recruited, while the FAA periodically opens hiring announcements for applicants, provided they meet certain age and eligibility criteria. Starting on the FG pay scale, it's essential for newcomers to enhance their qualifications continuously; this includes passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) and successfully completing training at the FAA Academy. In their first few years, controllers can expect steady salary increases as they work toward being fully certified. Factors such as working at high-demand facilities and overtime due to chronic staffing shortages post-2013 sequester can push total compensation significantly higher, even early in their careers.
More salary data for Arlington, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Arlington in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Arlington?
Is aviation school worth it in Arlington?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Arlington?
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Related Pages
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Arlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Arlington is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov