Air Traffic Controller Salary in Burleson, TX: $144,406 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Burleson, TX earns a median $144,406/year (≈ $69.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Burleson's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $150,423 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controller salaries in Burleson, TX, are projected to reach a median of $144,406 in 2026, reflecting a promising compensation landscape for those in this critical profession. The salary spectrum ranges from $83,756 at the lower end (P10) to $199,571 at the higher end (P90), illustrating the potential for significant variation based on factors like facility level and individual experience. These assessments are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local conditions, and provide a comparative view with the national median of $151,886, indicating a slight 4.92% lower average salary for controllers in Burleson. As aviation and air traffic demands grow, the local job market for air traffic controllers remains competitive, influenced by proximity to major regional airports and the types of facilities present in the area.
About the Burleson Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,756 | $40.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,972 | $49.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $144,406 | $69.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $180,992 | $87.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $199,571 | $95.94 |
Median Salary Position
4.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burleson
In Burleson, TX, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $115,815 (2026 est.). At $144,406, the local median is 4.92% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Burleson: You'd be above the median
How Burleson Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Burleson median: $144,406/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burleson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $145,865 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -4.92% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Burleson, TX earn a median of $144,406 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.92% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.00% below the Texas state average of $145,865.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burleson 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.
Burleson, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $144,406 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $150,423 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$116,934
2025 BLS Actual
$140,788
2026 Current Est.
$144,406
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Burleson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $116,934 | Actual |
| 2020 | $123,998 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,361 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,738 | Actual |
| 2023 | $130,615 | Actual |
| 2024 | $140,712 | Actual |
| 2025 | $140,788 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,406 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $148,117 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burleson metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $116,934 (2019) to $140,788 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $148,117 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,183 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burleson 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) | $83,756 – $103,972 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,972 – $144,406 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $144,406 – $180,992 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $180,992 – $199,571 |
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 Burleson
While Burleson employs 11 air traffic controllers, the overall cost of living index at 96 suggests that earnings can stretch further in this Texas city than in higher-cost regions. Salaries are impacted by the type of air traffic facilities as those working at FAA en route centers generally earn more than those at terminal or tower facilities. To maximize earnings, controllers should consider their path within the FAA system, as en route controllers at higher tiers often command better salaries, especially when factoring in shift differentials and the mandatory overtime that is prevalent in the industry. Understanding the pay scales and actively pursuing CPC certification can lead to significant financial benefits. By navigating these local job dynamics and facility levels, aspiring air traffic professionals can significantly improve their earning potential in Burleson, TX.
More salary data for Burleson, 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 $140,788 for air traffic controllersin the Burleson 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 Burleson 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