Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Dallas, TX: $91.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Dallas, TX runs $91.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $191,303 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Dallas's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.1, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $89.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $114,784 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Dallas, the hourly pay for air traffic controllers stands at an impressive $91.97, significantly surpassing the national median of $73.02. This higher rate reflects the crucial need for skilled professionals in demanding environments such as en route centers and airport traffic control towers. For individuals working part-time, specifically those committing to shifts three days a week, the potential to earn as much as $1,110 weekly is substantial, making it an appealing option for workers seeking flexibility. Entry-level controllers can expect to earn around $47.86 per hour, while more experienced controllers can make up to $110.31, showcasing the financial growth potential as one advances in their career. These figures are rooted in projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, offering a clear picture of what to expect in 2026.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47.86 | $382.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71.16 | $569.30 |
| Median (P50) | $91.97 | $735.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100.44 | $803.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110.31 | $882.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dallas
Based on $91.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $91.97/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dallas, TX can expect to earn approximately $191,307 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $110,369. With a cost-of-living index of 103.09 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dallas.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dallas
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,678.98 | $15,942 | $191,307 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,207.39 | $9,565 | $114,784 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,471.59 | $6,377 | $76,523 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Dallas) | $91.97 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Dallas, TX earn a median of $191,303 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.95% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 31.20% above the Texas state average of $145,810.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $91.97/hr = $114,784/year (purchasing power: $111,344).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $191,307/year (purchasing power: $185,573).
CoL index: 103.09 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$71.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$89.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$91.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+32.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Dallas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $76.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $77.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $80.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $83.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $87.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $89.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Dallas grew 25.6% from $71.38/hr (2019) to $89.67/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $94.34/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dallas 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Dallas
Part-time air traffic controllers working 24 hours weekly can take home around $57,705 annually, making this choice viable for those prioritizing work-life balance. For per-diem workers, the compensation landscape can be more complex. Overtime is common, often pushing total effective hourly compensation well above the base rate, particularly since many controllers at busy facilities work 50-60 hours a week, potentially adding $50,000 to $100,000 in annual overtime to their earnings. It’s essential to recognize that the hourly rate can vary based on employer type; for instance, controllers at FAA en route centers might see different pay structures compared to those at FAA contract towers. Many professionals prefer jobs that offer benefits even if the hourly rate is lower; this makes negotiating positions critical, especially in a city like Dallas where living costs can be above national averages. Understanding the trade-offs and assessing the full compensation package—including health benefits and retirement options—is crucial for those pursuing air traffic controller positions in Texas.
More salary data for Dallas, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Dallas. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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