Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Laredo, TX: $85,738 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Laredo, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $85,738 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Laredo's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $89,310 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($147,824) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laredo, Texas, those embarking on a career as an air traffic controller can expect an entry-level salary reflecting the city's economic landscape. New graduates in this field may start with a salary around $85,738, which is notably lower than the projected median annual salary of $147,824 for all controllers in the area. However, aspiring controllers should recognize the potential for progression within the first few years, as increases to approximately $106,433 could occur as individuals gain experience and training. With a growth rate of 2.57% projected annually, Laredo presents a favorable market for new graduates seeking stable employment in air traffic control.
About the Laredo Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Laredo
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 Laredo
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Laredo, TX typically start between $85,738 and $106,433 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $143,389 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $147,824 — 2.67% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Texas of $38,000 represents just 44.32% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($85,738/year) in Laredo. 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 Laredo
- 1Research the Laredo market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $85,738 to $106,433, 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 Laredo, 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 Laredo for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Laredo'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 Laredo is $143,389 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $85,738, experienced hygienists can earn up to $229,127.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$72,835
2025 BLS Actual
$83,590
2026 Current Est.
$85,738
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Laredo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,835 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,557 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,619 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,442 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,213 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,544 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,590 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,738 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,942 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Laredo, TX grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $72,835 in 2019 to $83,590 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,942. New graduates entering the Laredo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laredo 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 Laredo
Employers like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are key players in hiring new air traffic controllers in Laredo, utilizing multiple recruitment pathways such as the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) and 'off-the-street' hiring opportunities for individuals under 31. To enhance starting pay in Texas, candidates must meet certain credentials, including U.S. citizenship, a bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience, and passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test. Completing the Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy, typically lasting 3-5 months, leads to facility-specific training that may take 1-3 years before achieving full certification. With controllers enjoying federal employment benefits under the FG pay scale and facing mandatory retirement at age 56, it is a strategic career choice. In Laredo, even entry-level salaries can grow significantly as individuals transition into higher-tier facilities and explore overtime options, positioning themselves for robust earnings down the line.
More salary data for Laredo, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Laredo in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Laredo?
Is aviation school worth it in Laredo?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Laredo?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Texas?
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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 Laredo. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Laredo 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