Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Cedar Hill, TX: $83,611 (2026)

Employers in Cedar Hill looking to hire entry-level air traffic controllers are primarily the FAA, which conducts periodic public bid windows for new applications. Often referred to as "off-the-street" hiring announcements, this recruitment method targets applicants under age 31 unless they are military veterans. The FAA also collaborates with institutions via the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program, providing valuable pathways for graduates. To enhance their starting pay, prospective controllers should focus on obtaining relevant credentials, including U.S. citizenship, passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA), and completing Initial Qualification Training. After their FAA Academy training, which generally lasts 3-5 months, controllers will undergo 1-3 years of facility-specific training before becoming fully certified. As federal employees on the specialized FG pay scale, early-career controllers can expect realistic salary increases as they gain experience and demonstrate their competence in this vital role. As controllers approach higher-tier facilities in markets like Cedar Hill, they can anticipate the potential to earn significantly more, especially as they benefit from overtime opportunities in a chronically understaffed sector.