Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in San Marcos, TX: $71.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in San Marcos, TX runs $71.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $147,718 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against San Marcos's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $73.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,632 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Marcos, Texas, the projected median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in 2026 is $71.02, slightly below the national median of $73.02. This figure reflects the demanding nature of the occupation, requiring intense concentration and rapid decision-making in various settings, such as en route centers and control towers. For those working as part-time controllers, typically on a three-day workweek, the compensation can still be attractive, allowing significant earnings while maintaining a work-life balance. The hourly rate can range from $41.19 for entry-level positions up to an impressive $101.51 for top earners in the city, highlighting the potential earning capabilities within this profession as one advances.
About the San Marcos 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) | $41.19 | $329.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.13 | $409.05 |
| Median (P50) | $71.02 | $568.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90.58 | $724.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.51 | $812.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Marcos
Based on $71.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.02/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Marcos, TX can expect to earn approximately $147,720 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,223. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in San Marcos.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Marcos
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,840.78 | $12,310 | $147,720 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,704.47 | $7,386 | $88,632 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,136.31 | $4,924 | $59,088 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (San Marcos) | $71.02 |
| 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 San Marcos, TX earn a median of $147,718 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.74% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.30% above the Texas state average of $145,823.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.02/hr = $88,632/year (purchasing power: $92,325).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $147,720/year (purchasing power: $153,876).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$57.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in San Marcos (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $61.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in San Marcos grew 20.4% from $57.51/hr (2019) to $69.24/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.84/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 San Marcos 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 San Marcos
For controllers considering a part-time schedule of 24 hours a week, annual earnings would amount to approximately $88,388, providing competitive compensation without the full-time commitment. Those taking advantage of per diem roles may find themselves better compensated, especially if they engage in overtime, as many controllers at facilities facing staffing shortages frequently work 50-60 hours weekly, driving their effective hourly earnings significantly higher. Employment types in San Marcos, such as FAA en route centers or FAA contract towers, also affect pay scales, with federal positions often offering benefits that may justify a slightly lower hourly rate. Negotiating for pay and benefits is crucial, as controllers who balance their hourly wages against health insurance premiums will need to evaluate what suits their individual circumstances best.
More salary data for San Marcos, 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 San Marcos. 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 San Marcos 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