Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Garland, TX: $234,863 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Garland, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $234,863/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Garland's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $244,649 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Garland, Texas, the potential for top-tier salaries among experienced air traffic controllers is notable, with the 2026 projected P90 earning reaching $234,863 and P75 at $193,952. This represents a significant gap between the median annual salary of $151,525, illustrating the opportunities for skilled professionals who achieve senior-level status. Achieving these salaries requires not only years of experience—typically over seven—but also expertise in specialized areas such as en route control and terminal radar operations. Given that the Garland market maintains competitive earning potential just slightly below the national median of $151,886, controllers here can find viable pathways to increase their compensation through continued education and advancement within the field.
About the Garland Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Garland
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Garland earn between $193,952 and $234,863 per year (2026 est.). This $146,979 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Garland median of $151,525 sits 0.24% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Garland | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $151,525 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $193,952 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $234,863 | $221,151 |
In Garland, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Garland
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $151,525 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Garland employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Garland command premium compensation, often reaching the $193,952–$234,863 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Garland 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 Garland 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 Garland
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGarland ranks #7 of 109 Texas cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $234,863).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Garland ($234,863) is 1.69% above the Texas average P90 ($230,955).
2019 BLS Actual
$187,252
2025 BLS Actual
$228,978
2026 Current Est.
$234,863
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Garland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $187,252 | Actual |
| 2020 | $196,237 | Actual |
| 2021 | $197,522 | Actual |
| 2022 | $201,568 | Actual |
| 2023 | $213,452 | Actual |
| 2024 | $228,854 | Actual |
| 2025 | $228,978 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $234,863 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $240,899 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Garland saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $187,252 in 2019 to $228,978 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 $240,899 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Garland 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 Garland
Advanced specializations play a vital role in determining compensation in Garland, with areas such as en route and radar commanding the highest salaries. Pay varies significantly depending on the employment type; FAA en route centers and TRACONs typically offer greater compensation than ATCTs or FAA contract towers. Leadership opportunities are prevalent, with career tracks leading from developmental controller to operations supervisor and beyond. Advanced credentials can further enhance earning potential, as controllers who seek specific qualifications can capitalize on overtime, shift differentials, and locality pay. Moreover, the industry faces chronic understaffing, allowing senior controllers to maximize their hours worked, thus pushing their earnings closer to the upper ranges available in the sector. Successful navigation of this intricate field can position senior air traffic controllers in Garland to achieve well above average annual incomes, while simultaneously bolstering their professional stature within the FAA framework.
More salary data for Garland, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Garland in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Garland?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Garland?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Garland?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Garland?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Texas
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 $228,978 for air traffic controllers in the Garland 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 Garland 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