Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Benbrook, TX: $195,022 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Benbrook, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $195,022/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Benbrook's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $203,148 in average-cost America. The 41% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, experienced air traffic controllers in Benbrook, Texas, are expected to see substantial earning potential, with top earners in the field reaching a salary of $195,022. Reflecting a median annual salary of $138,274, the gap to the highest compensation highlights the premium associated with advanced experience and specialized skills in this profession. The substantial difference between the median and the upper echelons of pay demonstrates that controllers who navigate more complex airspace or take on additional responsibilities tend to climb the pay ladder successfully. To reach such top-tier pay in Benbrook, controllers typically require over seven years of experience and may pursue specialized training in areas such as en route and radar operations, enabling them to handle increased traffic complexity and responsibility.
About the Benbrook Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Benbrook
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Benbrook earn between $171,583 and $195,022 per year (2026 est.). This $114,824 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Benbrook median of $138,274 sits 8.96% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Benbrook | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $138,274 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,583 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $195,022 | $221,151 |
In Benbrook, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 41.04% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Benbrook
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $138,274 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Benbrook employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Benbrook command premium compensation, often reaching the $171,583–$195,022 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Benbrook metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Benbrook with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Air Traffic Controllers in Texas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Benbrook
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBenbrook ranks #93 of 109 Texas cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $195,022).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Benbrook ($195,022) is 15.56% below the Texas average P90 ($230,955).
2019 BLS Actual
$155,488
2025 BLS Actual
$190,136
2026 Current Est.
$195,022
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Benbrook (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $155,488 | Actual |
| 2020 | $162,949 | Actual |
| 2021 | $164,016 | Actual |
| 2022 | $167,375 | Actual |
| 2023 | $177,243 | Actual |
| 2024 | $189,942 | Actual |
| 2025 | $190,136 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $195,022 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $200,035 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Benbrook saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $155,488 in 2019 to $190,136 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $200,035 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benbrook 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.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Benbrook
Compensation for senior air traffic controllers varies greatly depending on specialization and employer type. In Benbrook, the highest-paid professionals often work in en route and radar operations, where the complexities of high-altitude traffic management yield increased salaries compared to terminal and tower roles. Those employed by FAA en route centers can expect higher base salaries, while military air traffic controllers transitioning to civilian roles can command similar financial rewards. Senior-level progression within the FAA often sees controllers move from developmental roles to certified professional controller (CPC) positions and then to traffic management coordinator or supervisor levels, each step potentially opening doors to further financial benefits. The combination of advanced certifications, operational roles, and lucrative shift differentials contributes to the overall compensation package for experienced air traffic controllers in this challenging market.
More salary data for Benbrook, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Benbrook in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Benbrook?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Benbrook?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Benbrook?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Benbrook?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $190,136 for air traffic controllers in the Benbrook metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Benbrook 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