Air Traffic Controller Salary in Port Arthur, TX: $147,661 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Port Arthur, TX earns a median $147,661/year (≈ $70.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Port Arthur's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $153,814 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Port Arthur, TX, air traffic controllers can expect a median annual salary of $147,661 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $151,886. Salaries in this profession range significantly, with the lowest earners making approximately $85,643, while the highest can reach up to $210,948. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parity, reflecting the local economy's nuances. With the current staffing levels resulting in only 12 air traffic controllers employed in the area, prospective candidates should be aware of the importance of attaining CPC certification. Typically, new controllers begin their careers at developmental pay rates, which can range from 65% to 75% of full compensation, making it critical to understand the trajectory within this profession.
About the Port Arthur Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,643 | $41.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,316 | $51.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $147,661 | $70.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $188,252 | $90.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $210,948 | $101.42 |
Median Salary Position
2.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Port Arthur
In Port Arthur, TX, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $125,305 (2026 est.). At $147,661, the local median is 2.78% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Port Arthur: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Port Arthur Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Port Arthur median: $147,661/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Port Arthur Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $145,766 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | -2.78% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Port Arthur, TX earn a median of $147,661 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.78% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.30% above the Texas state average of $145,766.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Port Arthur 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.
Port Arthur, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $147,661 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $153,814 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$119,569
2025 BLS Actual
$143,961
2026 Current Est.
$147,661
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Port Arthur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $119,569 | Actual |
| 2020 | $126,792 | Actual |
| 2021 | $126,141 | Actual |
| 2022 | $128,571 | Actual |
| 2023 | $133,559 | Actual |
| 2024 | $143,883 | Actual |
| 2025 | $143,961 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $147,661 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $151,456 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Port Arthur metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $119,569 (2019) to $143,961 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $151,456 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,887 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Port Arthur 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) | $85,643 – $106,316 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,316 – $147,661 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $147,661 – $188,252 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $188,252 – $210,948 |
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 Port Arthur
The job market for air traffic controllers in Port Arthur presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges. With a cost of living index of 96, the purchasing power remains favorable compared to national averages, allowing controllers to benefit from relatively lower living expenses. Employment opportunities in the area are primarily with FAA-controlled facilities, where en route centers generally offer the highest pay potential. Factors influencing pay include facility level, with en route roles ranking above terminal and tower positions, as well as the impact of shift differentials and overtime opportunities, which can significantly boost earnings. To maximize salary in Port Arthur, aspiring controllers should aim for en route certifications and seek positions with the FAA or military branches, while taking advantage of overtime to increase their overall compensation. The outlook for air traffic controller pay in Port Arthur TX will benefit from ongoing demand amid a backdrop of chronic understaffing in the field.
More salary data for Port Arthur, 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 $143,961 for air traffic controllersin the Port Arthur 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 Port Arthur 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