Air Traffic Controller Salary in Little Elm, TX: $141,487 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Little Elm, TX earns a median $141,487/year (≈ $68.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Little Elm's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $147,382 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For air traffic controllers in Little Elm, TX, the projected median annual salary in 2026 is $141,487, a figure that reflects the local job market's specific dynamics. This salary is accompanied by a range from $82,062 at the 10th percentile to $194,879 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price differences, suggesting a competitive compensation scheme despite a slight decline compared to the national median of $151,886. With a CPC certification timeline averaging 1-3 years to achieve full pay, the position offers a path to substantial earnings, making it an appealing option for aspiring air traffic controllers. For those considering a career in this field, Little Elm presents a viable opportunity in a market where demand remains stable.
About the Little Elm Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,062 | $39.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,088 | $50.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $141,487 | $68.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $176,932 | $85.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $194,879 | $93.69 |
Median Salary Position
6.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Little Elm
In Little Elm, TX, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $112,817 (2026 est.). At $141,487, the local median is 6.85% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Little Elm: You'd be above the median
How Little Elm Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Little Elm median: $141,487/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Little Elm Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $145,863 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -6.85% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Little Elm, TX earn a median of $141,487 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.85% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.00% below the Texas state average of $145,863.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Little Elm 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.
Little Elm, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $141,487 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $147,382 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,570
2025 BLS Actual
$137,942
2026 Current Est.
$141,487
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Little Elm (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,570 | Actual |
| 2020 | $121,491 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,867 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,196 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,975 | Actual |
| 2024 | $137,867 | Actual |
| 2025 | $137,942 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $141,487 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145,123 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Little Elm metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $114,570 (2019) to $137,942 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $145,123 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,553 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Little Elm 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) | $82,062 – $105,088 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,088 – $141,487 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $141,487 – $176,932 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $176,932 – $194,879 |
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 Little Elm
In the local job market, there are currently 12 air traffic controllers employed in Little Elm, underscoring the concentrated demand for this role. The lower cost-of-living index of 96 aligns with the realities of purchasing power for controllers, enabling them to stretch their salaries further than in higher-cost regions. Among employers, those within the FAA en route centers typically offer the highest pay, as these facilities manage high-altitude traffic and cater to significant air traffic demands. Pay disparities arise from various factors, such as facility type, CPC certification status, and shift differentials, with developmental controllers earning between 65-75% of CPC pay. To maximize earnings in Little Elm, controllers should aim for positions in high-tier facilities, actively pursue overtime opportunities, and consider the benefits of work on weekends or holidays for added income. Exploring different employment routes, such as transitioning from military or other FAA-related positions, could further enhance financial prospects in this competitive field.
More salary data for Little Elm, 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 $137,942 for air traffic controllersin the Little Elm 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 Little Elm 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