Air Traffic Controller Salary in Amarillo, TX: $150,936 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Amarillo, TX earns a median $150,936/year (≈ $72.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Amarillo's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $157,225 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $150,936 for 2026, air traffic controllers in Amarillo, Texas, can expect competitive earnings within the broader context of the aviation industry. Salaries in this profession can vary significantly, ranging from $87,542 at the 10th percentile to $233,951 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost-of-living factors, which can influence take-home pay. Given the substantial earning potential, the air traffic controller job market in Amarillo presents opportunities for career advancement, especially as controllers gain proficiency and progress through development stages, moving from developmental pay to certified professional controller (CPC) status.
About the Amarillo Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,542 | $42.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,674 | $52.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $150,936 | $72.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $193,198 | $92.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $233,951 | $112.48 |
Median Salary Position
0.63% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Amarillo
In Amarillo, TX, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $146,409 (2026 est.). At $150,936, the local median is 0.63% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Amarillo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Amarillo Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Amarillo median: $150,936/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Amarillo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $145,832 | +3.50% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | -0.63% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Amarillo, TX earn a median of $150,936 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.63% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.50% above the Texas state average of $145,832.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Amarillo 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.
Amarillo, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $150,936 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $157,225 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$122,221
2025 BLS Actual
$147,154
2026 Current Est.
$150,936
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Amarillo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $122,221 | Actual |
| 2020 | $129,604 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,939 | Actual |
| 2022 | $131,423 | Actual |
| 2023 | $136,521 | Actual |
| 2024 | $147,074 | Actual |
| 2025 | $147,154 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $150,936 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $154,815 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Amarillo metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $122,221 (2019) to $147,154 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $154,815 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,594 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Amarillo 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) | $87,542 – $108,674 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,674 – $150,936 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $150,936 – $193,198 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $193,198 – $233,951 |
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 Amarillo
In Amarillo, the air traffic controller job market is underscored by the employment of 52 professionals in the area, contributing to the local economy. With a cost-of-living index of 96, controllers may find their purchasing power affording a comfortable lifestyle compared to national averages. The opportunity for higher pay is particularly associated with positions at FAA en route centers and military air traffic control, which can significantly impact earnings due to facility level and certification status. Strategic career moves, such as seeking positions with higher traffic volumes or taking advantage of shift differentials and abundant overtime, can enhance overall compensation. Additionally, aspirations towards CPC status and ongoing professional development are vital, especially given the context of routine staffing shortages that lead to mandatory overtime. This reality creates a robust environment for enhancing earnings potential while establishing a career in Amarillo's air traffic control sector.
More salary data for Amarillo, 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 $147,154 for air traffic controllersin the Amarillo 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 Amarillo 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