Air Traffic Controller Salary in Corinth, TX: $140,017 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Corinth, TX earns a median $140,017/year (≈ $67.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Corinth's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $145,851 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Corinth, Texas, air traffic controllers can expect a median annual salary of $140,017 in 2026, which shows a competitive position in the local job market, particularly when compared to the national median of $151,886. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, with starting salaries at $81,210 (P10) and the potential to earn up to $187,668 (P90) depending on experience, facility type, and hours worked. These figures, drawn from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price variations, reflect the earning potential for both developmental and fully certified controllers. Given the rigorous CPC certification timeline of 1-3 years to reach full pay, aspiring controllers in Corinth should evaluate their career pathways carefully to maximize their earning prospects.
About the Corinth Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,210 | $39.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,812 | $48.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,017 | $67.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $172,847 | $83.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $187,668 | $90.22 |
Median Salary Position
7.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Corinth
In Corinth, TX, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $106,458 (2026 est.). At $140,017, the local median is 7.81% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Corinth: You'd be above the median
How Corinth Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Corinth median: $140,017/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Corinth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $145,851 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -7.81% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Corinth, TX earn a median of $140,017 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.81% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.00% below the Texas state average of $145,851.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Corinth 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.
Corinth, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $140,017 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $145,851 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,380
2025 BLS Actual
$136,509
2026 Current Est.
$140,017
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Corinth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,380 | Actual |
| 2020 | $120,229 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,611 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,916 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,645 | Actual |
| 2024 | $136,435 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,509 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,017 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,616 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Corinth metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $113,380 (2019) to $136,509 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,616 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,236 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Corinth 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) | $81,210 – $100,812 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,812 – $140,017 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,017 – $172,847 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $172,847 – $187,668 |
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 Corinth
Currently, there are six air traffic controllers employed within the Corinth area, indicating a tight-knit job market that could offer opportunities for those entering the field. With a cost of living index of 96, living expenses are relatively lower compared to national averages, enhancing the effective purchasing power of take-home salaries. Most air traffic controllers in the region are employed within FAA facilities, such as en route centers and terminal TRACONs, which generally provide the highest pay scales. Factors influencing the salary range include the level of certification, facility tier (with en route positions typically offering the highest pay), shift differentials, and mandatory overtime due to persistent staffing shortages. For controllers looking to bolster their compensation, seeking roles at higher-tier facilities, pursuing additional certifications, and being adaptable to shift work can be effective strategies in Corinth’s evolving ATC landscape.
More salary data for Corinth, 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 $136,509 for air traffic controllersin the Corinth 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 Corinth 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