Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Cleburne, TX: $84,070 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Cleburne, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,070 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cleburne's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $87,573 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($144,950) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the air traffic control profession in Cleburne, the starting air traffic controller salary is projected at $84,070 in 2026. While this figure may seem modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $144,950, it sets a foundation for substantial growth over the initial years in the field. New graduates can realistically expect to see their pay increase as they gain experience, with the potential to earn around $104,364 shortly after entering the workforce. Given Cleburne's favorable economic conditions and demand for air traffic controllers, this emerging market is currently a viable option for new professionals seeking stability and career advancement in Texas.
About the Cleburne Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cleburne
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 Cleburne
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Cleburne, TX typically start between $84,070 and $104,364 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $122,012 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $144,950 — 4.57% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Texas of $38,000 represents just 45.20% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($84,070/year) in Cleburne. 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 Cleburne
- 1Research the Cleburne market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $84,070 to $104,364, 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 Cleburne, 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 Cleburne for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cleburne'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 Cleburne is $122,012 ( 145.13%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,070, experienced hygienists can earn up to $206,082.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$71,418
2025 BLS Actual
$81,964
2026 Current Est.
$84,070
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Cleburne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,418 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,048 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,128 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,916 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,633 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,920 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,964 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,070 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,231 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Cleburne, TX grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $71,418 in 2019 to $81,964 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $86,231. New graduates entering the Cleburne job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleburne 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 Cleburne
In Cleburne, the primary employer hiring entry-level positions is the FAA, which has specific recruitment criteria that graduates should be aware of. Fresh candidates typically need to be under the age of 31 unless they are military veterans, and they can benefit from pathways such as the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program or apply through periodic 'off-the-street' hiring announcements. Establishing credentials is essential; candidates must possess U.S. citizenship, pass the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA), and complete Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy. Earning a higher starting pay can often hinge on obtaining a bachelor's degree or relevant work experience. As controllers progress through their career, they will be under the FG pay scale, which varies based on their facility, with top-tier en route centers offering compensation packages that can skyrocket to over $200,000 when including overtime and shift differentials. Realistically, as entry-level controllers transition into their first three years, they may see pay bumps reflecting their experience and performance, which aligns with the ongoing demand for air traffic control professionals amid the challenges of chronic understaffing.
More salary data for Cleburne, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Cleburne. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cleburne 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