Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Killeen, TX: $71.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Killeen, TX runs $71.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $148,923 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Killeen's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $74.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $89,349 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Killeen, Texas, the air traffic controller hourly pay reaches a median of $71.59, which sits slightly below the national median of $73.02. This rate offers a significant earning potential for those working in various settings, including FAA en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. Controllers in Killeen can expect an hourly range starting from $41.53 for entry-level positions up to $109.74 for top earners. For part-time positions working three days a week, controllers can anticipate a stable income while balancing their schedules, allowing them to navigate the demands of this critical yet challenging field. While estimated from annual data, these hourly figures give a snapshot of the economic landscape for air traffic control work in Killeen.
About the Killeen Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.53 | $332.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.55 | $412.41 |
| Median (P50) | $71.59 | $572.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91.65 | $733.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.74 | $877.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Killeen
Based on $71.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.59/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Killeen, TX can expect to earn approximately $148,915 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,913. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Killeen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Killeen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,863.75 | $12,410 | $148,915 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,718.25 | $7,446 | $89,349 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,145.50 | $4,964 | $59,566 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Killeen) | $71.59 |
| 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 Killeen, TX earn a median of $148,923 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.95% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.10% above the Texas state average of $145,860.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.59/hr = $89,349/year (purchasing power: $93,072).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $148,915/year (purchasing power: $155,120).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$57.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Killeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Killeen grew 20.4% from $57.97/hr (2019) to $69.80/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $73.43/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 Killeen 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 Killeen
For air traffic controllers considering part-time opportunities, working a 24-hour week could net an annual income that still provides flexibility compared to full-time positions. Controllers that opt for per-diem roles often find themselves with negotiable rates during training transfers or temporary assignments, which can substantially boost their overall compensation. Overtime is particularly common in Killeen, with many controllers working 50-60 hours per week, potentially driving their effective hourly income even higher than the base pay. Those employed at FAA facilities, military, or even contract towers may see varying compensations, influenced by the employer type. This variability often leads controllers to make choices about benefits versus pay; for example, some may accept a lower hourly rate for more comprehensive health insurance coverage. Negotiating effectively can result in better hourly rates—something that applicants and current controllers alike should keep in mind when considering their positions in Killeen.
More salary data for Killeen, 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 Killeen. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Killeen 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