Air Traffic Controller Salary in San Juan, TX: $139,677 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in San Juan, TX earns a median $139,677/year (≈ $67.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in San Juan's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $145,497 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controller salaries in San Juan, TX, offer a competitive median annual compensation of $139,677 according to 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data. The salary range within the region varies significantly from $81,013 at the 10th percentile to $202,465 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates also highlight that the figures have been adjusted for the region’s cost of living, which is slightly below the national average. This positions San Juan's air traffic controller pay as approximately 8.04% lower than the national median of $151,886, but the local market still provides opportunities for controllers, depending on their facility tier and certification status.
About the San Juan Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,013 | $38.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,565 | $48.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $139,677 | $67.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $178,787 | $85.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $202,465 | $97.34 |
Median Salary Position
8.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Juan
In San Juan, TX, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $121,452 (2026 est.). At $139,677, the local median is 8.04% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Juan: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Juan Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
San Juan median: $139,677/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Juan Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $145,800 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -8.04% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in San Juan, TX earn a median of $139,677 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.04% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.20% below the Texas state average of $145,800.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Juan 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.
San Juan, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $139,677 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $145,497 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,104
2025 BLS Actual
$136,177
2026 Current Est.
$139,677
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in San Juan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,104 | Actual |
| 2020 | $119,937 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,320 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,619 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,337 | Actual |
| 2024 | $136,103 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,177 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $139,677 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,266 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Juan metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $113,104 (2019) to $136,177 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,266 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,162 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Juan 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) | $81,013 – $101,565 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,565 – $139,677 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $139,677 – $178,787 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $178,787 – $202,465 |
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 San Juan
In San Juan, there are currently nine air traffic controllers employed, providing a relatively small but stable job market. With a cost of living index at 96, controllers can anticipate a favorable purchasing power compared to many other metropolitan areas. Among local employers, the FAA en route centers, which typically control high-altitude traffic, are known to offer higher salaries compared to FAA terminal radar approach controls or airport traffic control towers. Several factors contribute to the pay range, including facility type, status as a Certified Professional Controller (CPC), and shift differentials that can significantly enhance income. Controllers seeking to maximize their pay in San Juan should consider pursuing CPC certification, capitalizing on overtime opportunities, and applying for roles where shift differentials apply, especially during high-demand operational periods.
More salary data for San Juan, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in San Juan, TX in 2026?
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in San Juan?
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Related Pages
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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 $136,177 for air traffic controllersin the San Juan 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 San Juan 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