Air Traffic Controller Salary in Murphy, TX: $134,797 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Murphy, TX earns a median $134,797/year (≈ $64.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Murphy's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $140,414 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Murphy, TX, can expect a median annual salary of $134,797, which is approximately 11.25% less than the national median of $151,886. With a salary range from $78,412 to $187,991, figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, reflecting regional pricing and economic factors that influence local compensation. While the potential for growth exists, the median salary highlights the unique economic environment of Murphy, emphasizing the specialized skills required for this role and the time it takes—typically 1-3 years—to achieve CPC certification, where controllers see their pay potentially rise significantly post-certification. Understanding these dynamics is essential for both current and aspiring air traffic controllers navigating the local job market.
About the Murphy Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,412 | $37.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,889 | $47.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,797 | $64.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $171,334 | $82.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $187,991 | $90.38 |
Median Salary Position
11.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Murphy
In Murphy, TX, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $109,579 (2026 est.). At $134,797, the local median is 11.25% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Murphy: You'd be above the median
How Murphy Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Murphy median: $134,797/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Murphy Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $145,885 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -11.25% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Murphy, TX earn a median of $134,797 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.25% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 7.60% below the Texas state average of $145,885.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Murphy 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.
Murphy, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $134,797 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $140,414 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,153
2025 BLS Actual
$131,420
2026 Current Est.
$134,797
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Murphy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,153 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,747 | Actual |
| 2021 | $115,152 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,371 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,924 | Actual |
| 2024 | $131,349 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,420 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,797 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,262 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Murphy metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $109,153 (2019) to $131,420 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,262 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,109 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Murphy 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) | $78,412 – $98,889 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,889 – $134,797 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,797 – $171,334 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $171,334 – $187,991 |
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 Murphy
The job market for air traffic controllers in Murphy is relatively modest, with only five individuals currently employed in this occupation. The cost of living index stands at 96, indicating that housing and daily expenses are below the national average. This affordability can enhance purchasing power, making the air traffic controller pay in Murphy TX attractive even as local salaries lag behind national trends. Controllers seeking top pay should consider the types of facilities that offer better compensation; positions at FAA en route centers typically command higher wages compared to terminal control environments and tower locations. Factors such as overtime availability, shift differentials, and CPC certification status create a range of pay. Being strategic about facility selection and shift choices can significantly influence earning potential in the competitive landscape of air traffic control in Murphy.
More salary data for Murphy, 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 $131,420 for air traffic controllersin the Murphy 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 Murphy 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