Air Traffic Controller Salary in Abilene, TX: $145,743 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Abilene, TX earns a median $145,743/year (≈ $70.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Abilene's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $151,816 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Abilene, Texas can expect a median annual salary of $145,743, which is slightly lower than the national median of $151,886. The salary range for these professionals in this region spans from $84,531 at the 10th percentile to $222,385 at the 90th percentile, providing significant earning potential, especially for those progressing through the ranks. Salaries in Abilene are influenced by the local economic context, with projections derived from state-level data and adjustments for regional living costs. For air traffic controllers pursuing careers with options for growth, the timeline to full pay, typically achieved within 1 to 3 years as a certified professional controller (CPC), reflects a structured progression that underscores the value of this occupation in the local job market.
About the Abilene Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,531 | $40.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,935 | $50.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $145,743 | $70.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $185,111 | $89.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $222,385 | $106.92 |
Median Salary Position
4.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Abilene
In Abilene, TX, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $137,854 (2026 est.). At $145,743, the local median is 4.04% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Abilene: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Abilene Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Abilene median: $145,743/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Abilene Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $151,886 | -4.04% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Abilene, TX earn a median of $145,743 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.04% lower than the national median of $151,886.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Abilene has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Abilene, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $145,743 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $151,816 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$118,016
2025 BLS Actual
$142,091
2026 Current Est.
$145,743
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Abilene (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $118,016 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,145 | Actual |
| 2021 | $124,502 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,901 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,824 | Actual |
| 2024 | $142,014 | Actual |
| 2025 | $142,091 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $145,743 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $149,488 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Abilene metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $118,016 (2019) to $142,091 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $149,488 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,472 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Abilene 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $84,531 – $104,935 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,935 – $145,743 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $145,743 – $185,111 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $185,111 – $222,385 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Abilene
Within the Abilene area, the job market supports 26 air traffic controllers, with the employment landscape shaped by the local cost of living index at 96, which indicates a lower-than-average expense for residents. This reality enhances the buying power of controllers, allowing them to make the most of their salaries. Those working at Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) en route centers generally earn the highest wages due to the complexity of operations compared to terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities or airport traffic control towers. Furthermore, the varied pay can result from several factors, including the facility tier, certification status, and shift differentials. Controllers seeking to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Abilene, TX should consider pursuing overtime opportunities, especially given the chronic staffing shortages across the industry and the potential for additional earnings through night shifts or holidays.
More salary data for Abilene, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $142,091 for air traffic controllersin the Abilene metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Abilene 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