Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Waco, TX: $85,022 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Waco, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $85,022 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Waco's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $88,565 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($146,591) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the air traffic control field in Waco, Texas, expectations for starting salaries can begin at $85,022. While this entry-level pay may be lower than the city median of $146,591, it does offer a promising growth trajectory for those in their first few years. As careers develop, there’s a substantial increase in earning potential, particularly moving towards the $105,546 mark at the 25th percentile. For recent graduates, Waco represents a favorable market, especially with a projected growth rate of 2.57% annually, allowing for a viable pathway to bridge the gap between starting positions and established salaries.
About the Waco Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Waco
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 Waco
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Waco, TX typically start between $85,022 and $105,546 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $134,926 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $146,591 — 3.49% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Texas of $38,000 represents just 44.69% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($85,022/year) in Waco. 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 Waco
- 1Research the Waco market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $85,022 to $105,546, 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 Waco, 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 Waco for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Waco'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 Waco is $134,926 ( 158.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $85,022, experienced hygienists can earn up to $219,948.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$72,227
2025 BLS Actual
$82,892
2026 Current Est.
$85,022
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Waco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,227 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,909 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,979 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,787 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,535 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,848 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,892 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,022 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,207 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Waco, TX grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $72,227 in 2019 to $82,892 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,207. New graduates entering the Waco job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waco 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 Waco
Several employers in Waco actively seek new air traffic controller graduates, primarily the FAA, which recruits through various channels including public hiring announcements and partnerships with the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). Fresh entrants to the field will benefit from obtaining U.S. citizenship, a relevant college degree, and successfully passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) as prerequisites for employment. With mandatory employment training at the FAA Academy, which spans 3-5 months, new air traffic controllers can anticipate additional facility-specific training lasting 1-3 years. This career path not only provides clear advancement potential but also prepares controllers for lucrative positions at en route facilities, where salaries can skyrocket to around $200,000 with overtime. Realistic salary expectations for the first three years in Waco would likely align with steady increases, assuming consistent professional development and performance, particularly given the federal FG pay scale structure governing compensation.
More salary data for Waco, 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 Waco. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Waco 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