Air Traffic Controller Salary in Huntsville, TX: $142,403 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Huntsville, TX earns a median $142,403/year (≈ $68.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Huntsville's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $148,336 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $142,403 for air traffic controllers in Huntsville, TX, those in this profession experience earnings that reflect the demands of the job, especially in facilities facing chronic understaffing. The salary range extends from $82,593 at the 10th percentile to as much as $206,350 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant variability depending on factors such as facility type and individual qualifications. These figures derive from state-level estimations based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions. The potential for extensive overtime helps bolster overall compensation in a labor market where air traffic controller positions are limited, influencing pay upwards and enhancing the financial viability of working in this field within the local context.
About the Huntsville Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,593 | $39.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $102,530 | $49.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $142,403 | $68.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $176,314 | $84.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $206,350 | $99.21 |
Median Salary Position
6.24% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Huntsville
In Huntsville, TX, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $123,757 (2026 est.). At $142,403, the local median is 6.24% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Huntsville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Huntsville Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Huntsville median: $142,403/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Huntsville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $145,755 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -6.24% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Huntsville, TX earn a median of $142,403 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.24% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.30% below the Texas state average of $145,755.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Huntsville 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.
Huntsville, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $142,403 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $148,336 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$115,311
2025 BLS Actual
$138,835
2026 Current Est.
$142,403
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Huntsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $115,311 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,278 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,649 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,993 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,803 | Actual |
| 2024 | $138,760 | Actual |
| 2025 | $138,835 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $142,403 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $146,063 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Huntsville metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $115,311 (2019) to $138,835 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $146,063 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,752 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Huntsville 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) | $82,593 – $102,530 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $102,530 – $142,403 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $142,403 – $176,314 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $176,314 – $206,350 |
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 Huntsville
In Huntsville, only 11 air traffic controllers are currently employed, which places the job market in a unique position, especially with a cost-of-living index of 96 that is below the national average. This suggests that while salaries may not match the national median, the purchasing power for residents can still be favorable. Among the employers, FAA en route centers typically offer the highest compensation due to their level of operations, while FAA contract towers and smaller facilities may provide lower wages. Controllers can maximize their pay by seeking positions in higher-level facilities, gaining CPC certification, and taking advantage of overtime opportunities. Factors such as shift differentials and locality pay often contribute to the pay spectrum, particularly for those willing to work less desirable hours or holidays. Understanding these dynamics can help current or prospective controllers strategize their career paths effectively in the Huntsville market.
More salary data for Huntsville, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $138,835 for air traffic controllersin the Huntsville 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 Huntsville 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