Air Traffic Controller Salary in Mesquite, TX: $144,930 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Mesquite, TX earns a median $144,930/year (≈ $69.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Mesquite's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $150,969 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controller salaries in Mesquite, Texas, reflect a competitive market with a median annual salary of $144,930. The full salary range spans from $84,059 at the 10th percentile to $214,500 at the 90th percentile, indicating a healthy spectrum of earnings tied to experience, certification, and facility tier. Estimates are based on state-level data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and account for regional cost adjustments, providing a local context to the air traffic controller pay in Mesquite, TX. While the median salary is slightly lower than the national average of $151,886, Mesquite presents a viable option for aspiring controllers, especially for those looking at en route facilities, which generally offer higher pay compared to terminal or tower jobs.
About the Mesquite Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,059 | $40.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,350 | $50.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $144,930 | $69.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $185,511 | $89.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $214,500 | $103.12 |
Median Salary Position
4.58% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mesquite
In Mesquite, TX, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $130,441 (2026 est.). At $144,930, the local median is 4.58% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mesquite: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mesquite Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Mesquite median: $144,930/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mesquite Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $145,805 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -4.58% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Mesquite, TX earn a median of $144,930 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.58% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.60% below the Texas state average of $145,805.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mesquite 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.
Mesquite, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $144,930 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $150,969 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$117,358
2025 BLS Actual
$141,299
2026 Current Est.
$144,930
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Mesquite (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $117,358 | Actual |
| 2020 | $124,448 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,808 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,194 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,089 | Actual |
| 2024 | $141,222 | Actual |
| 2025 | $141,299 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,930 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $148,655 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mesquite metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $117,358 (2019) to $141,299 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $148,655 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,297 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mesquite 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) | $84,059 – $104,350 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,350 – $144,930 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $144,930 – $185,511 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $185,511 – $214,500 |
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 Mesquite
The local job market for air traffic controllers in Mesquite consists of 21 employed professionals, which fosters a sense of community among peers. The cost of living index in the area stands at 96, slightly below the national average, allowing for better purchasing power despite slightly lower salaries. Those exploring opportunities here may find that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) en route centers provide some of the highest compensation, while terminal and tower positions may yield lower pay. Factors influencing salary variations include the facility level, certification status, and the abundance of overtime work amidst chronic staffing shortages. To maximize earnings while working as an air traffic controller in Mesquite, it's beneficial to pursue higher-tier positions, secure a Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status, and take advantage of overtime opportunities, especially during peak traffic times.
More salary data for Mesquite, 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 $141,299 for air traffic controllersin the Mesquite 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 Mesquite 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