Air Traffic Controller Salary in Keller, TX: $138,557 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Keller, TX earns a median $138,557/year (≈ $66.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Keller's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $144,330 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For 2026, air traffic controllers in Keller, Texas, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $138,557. This figure reflects local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for cost differences in the region. The salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions (P10) starting at $80,363, while experienced controllers at the top of their field (P90) can achieve as much as $193,810. This compensation data is particularly relevant considering the distinctions among various air traffic control facility tiers, such as en route Level 12 centers, which generally offer higher pay and more complex duties compared to terminal and tower facilities. Given the unique market conditions in Keller, these salaries suggest opportunities for skilled controllers looking to establish their careers in a competitive landscape.
About the Keller Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,363 | $38.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,761 | $47.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $138,557 | $66.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $177,353 | $85.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $193,810 | $93.17 |
Median Salary Position
8.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Keller
In Keller, TX, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $113,447 (2026 est.). At $138,557, the local median is 8.78% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Keller: You'd be above the median
How Keller Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Keller median: $138,557/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Keller Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $145,849 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -8.78% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Keller, TX earn a median of $138,557 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.78% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.00% below the Texas state average of $145,849.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Keller 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.
Keller, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $138,557 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $144,330 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$112,197
2025 BLS Actual
$135,085
2026 Current Est.
$138,557
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Keller (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,197 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,975 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,364 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,644 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,324 | Actual |
| 2024 | $135,012 | Actual |
| 2025 | $135,085 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138,557 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142,118 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Keller metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $112,197 (2019) to $135,085 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $142,118 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,921 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Keller 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) | $80,363 – $99,761 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,761 – $138,557 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $138,557 – $177,353 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $177,353 – $193,810 |
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 Keller
The job market for air traffic controllers in Keller is relatively small, with only seven professionals currently employed in the area. This limited pool contributes to a cost of living index of 96, slightly below the national average, which positively influences the purchasing power of local salaries. Among the employers in Keller, FAA terminal and approach control facilities typically provide the most competitive pay, making these positions attractive for aspiring controllers. Several factors contribute to the disparity in salaries, such as the complexity of the facility type, the level of CPC certification, and additional compensatory benefits like shift differentials and overtime opportunities. With a chronic staffing shortage in the field and mandatory retirement at age 56, controllers aiming to maximize their earnings in Keller should consider pursuing higher-tier positions and actively seek overtime shifts to bolster their income in this emerging market.
More salary data for Keller, 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 $135,085 for air traffic controllersin the Keller 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 Keller 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