Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Sherman, TX: $80,356 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Sherman, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,356 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sherman's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,704 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($138,545) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as an air traffic controller in Sherman, Texas, entry-level positions offer a starting salary of approximately $80,356 as of 2026. This is considerably lower than the community's median annual salary of $138,545, indicating a gap that new graduates can expect in their early years. However, there is potential for growth; as one gains experience, salaries can rise to $99,752 at the 25th percentile and even up to the median within the first three to five years. Sherman presents a favorable environment for new graduates, especially given the city's relatively low cost of living index of 96, which can make it an appealing market for those just entering the air traffic control profession.
About the Sherman Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sherman
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 Sherman
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Sherman, TX typically start between $80,356 and $99,752 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $113,416 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $138,545 — 8.78% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Texas of $38,000 represents just 47.29% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($80,356/year) in Sherman. 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 Sherman
- 1Research the Sherman market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $80,356 to $99,752, 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 Sherman, 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 Sherman for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sherman'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 Sherman is $113,416 ( 141.14%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,356, experienced hygienists can earn up to $193,772.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,263
2025 BLS Actual
$78,343
2026 Current Est.
$80,356
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Sherman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,263 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,689 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,809 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,518 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,115 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,301 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,343 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,356 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,422 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Sherman, TX grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,263 in 2019 to $78,343 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $82,422. New graduates entering the Sherman job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sherman 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 Sherman
In Sherman, the primary employer for entry-level air traffic controllers is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which recruits new talent through various programs. Applicants must be under 31 unless they have military experience. The FAA also has partnerships through the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program, facilitating pathways for graduates from selected universities. Achieving a competitive start in the field often requires meeting specific credentials, such as U.S. citizenship, a college degree or equivalent work experience, and passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). After initial qualification training at the FAA Academy, controllers undergo facility-specific training that can take 1-3 years. Realistic salary growth in early career stages typically reflects gradual increases, particularly for those who begin at the base salary level, which can lead to higher compensation as they advance through the ranks. By focusing on key facilities and gaining overtime opportunities, new controllers can maximize their earning potential significantly over time.
More salary data for Sherman, 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 Sherman. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sherman 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