Air Traffic Controller Salary in Schertz, TX: $139,892 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Schertz, TX earns a median $139,892/year (≈ $67.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Schertz's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $145,721 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The air traffic controller salary in Schertz, TX, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $139,892 in 2026, reflecting a dynamic local compensation landscape that stands approximately 7.90% below the national median of $151,886. Salaries range widely from $81,137 at the lower end (P10) to $197,892 (P90) for those in higher earning brackets. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026 while incorporating regional cost adjustments. A unique aspect of the market for Schertz controllers is the likelihood of 50-60 hour workweeks, often fueled by chronic understaffing in local facilities. This reality can significantly drive earnings, allowing controllers to capitalize on mandatory overtime, enhancing their overall compensation.
About the Schertz Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,137 | $39.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,723 | $48.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $139,892 | $67.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $178,430 | $85.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $197,892 | $95.14 |
Median Salary Position
7.9% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Schertz
In Schertz, TX, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $116,755 (2026 est.). At $139,892, the local median is 7.9% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Schertz: You'd be above the median
How Schertz Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Schertz median: $139,892/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Schertz Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $145,873 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -7.90% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Schertz, TX earn a median of $139,892 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.90% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.10% below the Texas state average of $145,873.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Schertz 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.
Schertz, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $139,892 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $145,721 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,278
2025 BLS Actual
$136,387
2026 Current Est.
$139,892
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Schertz (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,278 | Actual |
| 2020 | $120,122 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,504 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,807 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,532 | Actual |
| 2024 | $136,313 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,387 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $139,892 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,487 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Schertz metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $113,278 (2019) to $136,387 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,487 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,209 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Schertz 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) | $81,137 – $100,723 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,723 – $139,892 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $139,892 – $178,430 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $178,430 – $197,892 |
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 Schertz
With only six air traffic controllers currently employed in Schertz, the job market is relatively tight, which could create opportunities for negotiated pay increases. The area's cost-of-living index sits at 96, meaning that salaries could stretch further in purchasing power compared to more expensive urban settings. Employers who typically pay the most for air traffic control positions include FAA en route centers and major terminal facilities, where compensation is influenced by facility tier, CPC certification status, and shift differentials. To maximize pay in Schertz, controllers should aim for roles at higher-tier en route facilities or seek additional certifications that contribute to their base pay. Engaging in overtime and adjusting work schedules to include higher differential times, such as weekends and holidays, can also significantly augment earnings in this evolving market.
More salary data for Schertz, 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 $136,387 for air traffic controllersin the Schertz 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 Schertz 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