Air Traffic Controller Salary in Conroe, TX: $147,892 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Conroe, TX earns a median $147,892/year (≈ $71.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Conroe's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $154,054 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Conroe, Texas, air traffic controllers see a median annual salary of $147,892 in 2026, which reflects a slight variance when compared to the national median of $151,886. The salary for this occupation ranges widely, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $85,777 and experienced controllers commanding upwards of $211,372. This compensation landscape is shaped significantly by the chronic staffing shortages in the field. Controllers often find themselves clocking 50 to 60 hours a week, especially in high-demand facilities where mandatory overtime becomes a consistent factor. Such conditions not only enhance earning potential but also underscore the need for resilience and commitment in this career path. Prospective controllers should understand that the nuances of pay directly relate to the challenging nature of their roles within the aviation system.
About the Conroe Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,777 | $41.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,482 | $51.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $147,892 | $71.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $189,057 | $90.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $211,372 | $101.63 |
Median Salary Position
2.63% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Conroe
In Conroe, TX, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $125,595 (2026 est.). At $147,892, the local median is 2.63% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Conroe: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Conroe Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Conroe median: $147,892/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Conroe Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $145,850 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | -2.63% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Conroe, TX earn a median of $147,892 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.63% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.40% above the Texas state average of $145,850.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Conroe 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.
Conroe, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $147,892 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $154,054 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$119,756
2025 BLS Actual
$144,186
2026 Current Est.
$147,892
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Conroe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $119,756 | Actual |
| 2020 | $126,990 | Actual |
| 2021 | $126,338 | Actual |
| 2022 | $128,772 | Actual |
| 2023 | $133,767 | Actual |
| 2024 | $144,108 | Actual |
| 2025 | $144,186 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $147,892 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $151,692 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Conroe metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $119,756 (2019) to $144,186 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $151,692 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,936 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Conroe 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) | $85,777 – $106,482 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,482 – $147,892 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $147,892 – $189,057 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $189,057 – $211,372 |
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 Conroe
The job market for air traffic controllers in Conroe consists of about 15 employed professionals, illustrating a tight-knit community. With a cost-of-living index of 96, the economic reality allows for a relatively comfortable lifestyle, even considering that salaries may dip below national averages. Employers in this area include various FAA facilities, including local control towers and regional TRACONs, which are typically more lucrative than smaller contract towers. The disparity in pay can often be attributed to several factors: facility type, certification status, and additional pay incentives like shift differentials and overtime. Given the age 56 mandatory retirement rule and chronic employee turnover, entering this field now could offer stable opportunities for motivated individuals. To maximize earning potential in Conroe, one strategic approach is to pursue CPC certification and seek employment at busier en route facilities or develop a willingness to take on overtime shifts consistently.
More salary data for Conroe, 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 $144,186 for air traffic controllersin the Conroe 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 Conroe 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