Air Traffic Controller Salary in League City, TX: $145,248 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in League City, TX earns a median $145,248/year (≈ $69.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in League City's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $151,300 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the anticipated air traffic controller salary in League City, TX, reaches $145,248, reflecting the competitive landscape in aviation management. With salaries ranging from $84,244 at the 10th percentile to $215,610 at the 90th percentile, it's evident that there is significant variation based on factors like experience and certification status. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost of living, highlight the economic potential within the city. The path to achieving full pay can take between one to three years, particularly for those starting as developmental controllers, who typically earn less until they attain certification as professional controllers (CPC). This local job market for air traffic controllers must be viewed in the context of both salary and demand, where consistent hiring indicates stability and growth opportunities for professionals in League City.
About the League City Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,244 | $40.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,578 | $50.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $145,248 | $69.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $185,918 | $89.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $215,610 | $103.66 |
Median Salary Position
4.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in League City
In League City, TX, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $131,366 (2026 est.). At $145,248, the local median is 4.37% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in League City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How League City Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
League City median: $145,248/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | League City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $145,832 | -0.40% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -4.37% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in League City, TX earn a median of $145,248 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.37% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.40% below the Texas state average of $145,832.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
League City 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.
League City, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $145,248 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $151,300 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$117,615
2025 BLS Actual
$141,609
2026 Current Est.
$145,248
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in League City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $117,615 | Actual |
| 2020 | $124,721 | Actual |
| 2021 | $124,080 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,471 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,377 | Actual |
| 2024 | $141,532 | Actual |
| 2025 | $141,609 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $145,248 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $148,981 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the League City metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $117,615 (2019) to $141,609 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $148,981 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,366 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the League City 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) | $84,244 – $104,578 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,578 – $145,248 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $145,248 – $185,918 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $185,918 – $215,610 |
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 League City
Analyzing the current salary landscape, only 22 air traffic controllers are employed in League City, signifying a relatively compact job market. The cost of living index for the area sits at a favorable 96, suggesting that controllers can enjoy a reasonable purchasing power relative to their earnings. Notably, agencies such as the FAA en route centers (ARTCCs) generally offer the highest compensation, particularly compared to terminal facilities and control towers. Salary discrepancies result from various factors, including the facility level, CPC certification, and shift differentials which can significantly boost pay. Controllers looking to maximize earnings should seek opportunities for overtime, especially given the chronic staffing shortages that prompt additional hours. For those in the League City market, focusing on obtaining CPC status and being flexible with shift assignments can pave the way to more lucrative positions in air traffic control.
More salary data for League City, 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 $141,609 for air traffic controllersin the League City 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 League City 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