Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Hurst, TX: $82,187 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Hurst, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $82,187 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hurst's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,611 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($141,703) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The starting air traffic controller salary in Hurst, TX is projected to be **$82,187** in 2026. This entry-level pay represents a significant gap when compared to the city's median annual salary of **$141,703**. For new graduates entering the field, the initial compensation can feel modest, but the earning potential grows steadily. Within the first three to five years, salaries could rise to **$105,511** at the 25th percentile, and those who demonstrate skill and commitment may eventually reach the median. Given the current job market dynamics and the FAA's hiring strategies, Hurst presents a viable opportunity for aspiring controllers, especially for those willing to invest in their training and development at facilities across the state.
About the Hurst Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hurst
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 Hurst
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Hurst, TX typically start between $82,187 and $105,511 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $113,406 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $141,703 — 6.7% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Texas of $38,000 represents just 46.24% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($82,187/year) in Hurst. 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 Hurst
- 1Research the Hurst market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $82,187 to $105,511, 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 Hurst, 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 Hurst for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hurst'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 Hurst is $113,406 ( 137.99%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $82,187, experienced hygienists can earn up to $195,593.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$69,818
2025 BLS Actual
$80,128
2026 Current Est.
$82,187
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,818 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,345 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,446 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,193 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,849 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,085 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,128 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,187 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,300 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Hurst, TX grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $69,818 in 2019 to $80,128 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,300. New graduates entering the Hurst job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hurst 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 Hurst
Hiring for air traffic controller positions in Hurst primarily occurs through the FAA. New graduates can take advantage of two main pathways: the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program, which partners with select universities, and off-the-street recruitment campaigns that target candidates under age 31 if they are not veterans. Potential hires must pass the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) and complete several months of training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. For those entering the field, it's crucial to understand that credentials such as U.S. citizenship, educational qualifications, and a clean medical and drug testing history can favorably impact starting air traffic controller pay in TX. In the first three years, controllers can realistically expect salary growth driven by experience and added responsibilities, particularly in top-tier facilities within Texas. The chronic staffing issues in the sector may also lead to overtime opportunities, resulting in higher total earnings for many new hires.
More salary data for Hurst, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Hurst in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Hurst?
Is aviation school worth it in Hurst?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Hurst?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Texas?
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 Hurst. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hurst 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