Air Traffic Controller Salary in San Marcos, TX: $147,718 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in San Marcos, TX earns a median $147,718/year (≈ $71.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in San Marcos's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $153,873 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
San Marcos, Texas offers competitive opportunities for air traffic controllers, with a 2026 median annual salary projected at $147,718. This figure positions local controllers slightly below the national median of $151,886, reflecting the pay dynamics in a community that serves as a tiered facility hub, with potential earnings ranging from $85,677 at the lower end to $211,149 for those at the peak of their career. Estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities suggest that controllers working in more advanced en route centers typically command higher wages than their counterparts in terminal and tower facilities. As the air traffic sector continues to grow and evolve, San Marcos appears to be fostering a specialized workforce well-suited to the demands of air traffic management.
About the San Marcos Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,677 | $41.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,357 | $51.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $147,718 | $71.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $188,395 | $90.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $211,149 | $101.51 |
Median Salary Position
2.74% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Marcos
In San Marcos, TX, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $125,472 (2026 est.). At $147,718, the local median is 2.74% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Marcos: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Marcos Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
San Marcos median: $147,718/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Marcos Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $145,823 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | -2.74% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in San Marcos, TX earn a median of $147,718 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.74% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.30% above the Texas state average of $145,823.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Marcos 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 Marcos, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $147,718 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $153,873 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$119,615
2025 BLS Actual
$144,017
2026 Current Est.
$147,718
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in San Marcos (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $119,615 | Actual |
| 2020 | $126,842 | Actual |
| 2021 | $126,190 | Actual |
| 2022 | $128,621 | Actual |
| 2023 | $133,611 | Actual |
| 2024 | $143,939 | Actual |
| 2025 | $144,017 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $147,718 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $151,515 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Marcos metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $119,615 (2019) to $144,017 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $151,515 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,900 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Marcos 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) | $85,677 – $106,357 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,357 – $147,718 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $147,718 – $188,395 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $188,395 – $211,149 |
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 Marcos
In this area, there are currently 13 air traffic controllers, indicative of a localized job market that can be tightly competitive. The cost of living index in San Marcos stands at 96, below the national average, which can impact discretionary purchasing power for controllers. To maximize earnings in this market, controllers should target employment with the FAA's en route centers or pursue advanced certifications and roles, as these positions tend to offer higher pay scales and additional compensation options. Factors such as shift differentials, overtime opportunities, and CPC certification status further influence the spectrum of air traffic controller pay in San Marcos, TX. Controllers considering career growth should be aware of mandated retirement at 56, alongside chronic understaffing issues post-sequester, which can drive up overtime and enhance total earnings potential. Understanding these local nuances will be vital for aspiring air traffic controllers as they navigate their career paths in a region that continues to support aviation growth.
More salary data for San Marcos, 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 $144,017 for air traffic controllersin the San Marcos 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 Marcos 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