Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Nacogdoches, TX: $80,264 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Nacogdoches, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,264 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Nacogdoches's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,608 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($138,386) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the air traffic control field in Nacogdoches, Texas, can expect a starting air traffic controller salary of approximately $80,264. This initial compensation falls significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $138,386, highlighting the financial progression that often accompanies experience in this profession. Fresh controllers typically move past this entry-level threshold within a few years; those in the 25th percentile can earn around $99,639 before reaching the median, illustrating a realistic pay growth trajectory. Given the forecasted increase in demand and a projected annual growth rate of 2.57%, Nacogdoches presents a viable market for new grads looking to establish their careers in air traffic control.
About the Nacogdoches Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Nacogdoches
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 Nacogdoches
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Nacogdoches, TX typically start between $80,264 and $99,639 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $112,641 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $138,386 — 8.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Texas of $38,000 represents just 47.34% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($80,264/year) in Nacogdoches. 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 Nacogdoches
- 1Research the Nacogdoches market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $80,264 to $99,639, 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 Nacogdoches, 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 Nacogdoches for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Nacogdoches'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 Nacogdoches is $112,641 ( 140.34%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,264, experienced hygienists can earn up to $192,905.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,184
2025 BLS Actual
$78,253
2026 Current Est.
$80,264
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Nacogdoches (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,184 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,605 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,727 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,433 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,028 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,211 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,253 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,264 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,327 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Nacogdoches, TX grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,184 in 2019 to $78,253 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $82,327. New graduates entering the Nacogdoches job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nacogdoches 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 Nacogdoches
Employers in Nacogdoches primarily include the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which recruits new controllers through periodic announcements and partnerships with select universities via the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). It's essential for applicants to fulfill specific requirements, such as being a U.S. citizen, passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test, and completing training at the FAA Academy. This program is both thorough and competitive, with training duration ranging from 3 to 5 months, followed by facility-specific training lasting 1 to 3 years. For those just starting in this field, it’s beneficial to strategically plan for their first years of service. The job is classified under the FG pay scale for federal employees, unlike the GS scale, starting with salaries that grow as controllers move from entry-level to certified professional controllers (CPCs) at larger en route facilities, where total compensation can significantly increase due to shift differentials and overtime. Given the mandatory retirement age of 56, controllers often face increased demand for their roles, creating opportunities for compassionate salary growth within Nacogdoches and beyond.
More salary data for Nacogdoches, 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 Nacogdoches. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Nacogdoches 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