Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Hurst, TX: $195,593 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Hurst, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $195,593/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Hurst's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $203,743 in average-cost America. The 38% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the potential for top earners in Hurst, TX, is significant, with the top decile (P90) earning an impressive $195,593 annually, while the 75th percentile (P75) commands a robust salary of $177,456. This pay bracket illustrates a noteworthy experience premium within the industry, as the median annual salary for experienced air traffic controllers sits at $141,703. The gap between median and peak salaries highlights the opportunities available for those who excel in their roles, particularly in high-demand environments like en route and radar facilities. Achieving such high earnings typically requires an extensive background in air traffic control, often supported by specialized certifications and a tangible record of performance, particularly within the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) air traffic control framework.
About the Hurst Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hurst
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Hurst earn between $177,456 and $195,593 per year (2026 est.). This $113,406 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hurst median of $141,703 sits 6.7% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Hurst | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $141,703 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $177,456 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $195,593 | $221,151 |
In Hurst, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 38.03% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Hurst
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $141,703 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hurst employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Hurst command premium compensation, often reaching the $177,456–$195,593 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hurst 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 Hurst 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 Hurst
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHurst ranks #92 of 109 Texas cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $195,593).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Hurst ($195,593) is 15.31% below the Texas average P90 ($230,955).
2019 BLS Actual
$155,943
2025 BLS Actual
$190,692
2026 Current Est.
$195,593
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $155,943 | Actual |
| 2020 | $163,425 | Actual |
| 2021 | $164,495 | Actual |
| 2022 | $167,865 | Actual |
| 2023 | $177,762 | Actual |
| 2024 | $190,492 | Actual |
| 2025 | $190,692 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $195,593 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $200,620 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Hurst saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $155,943 in 2019 to $190,692 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 $200,620 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hurst 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 Hurst
Compensation for senior air traffic controllers in Hurst hinges on various factors, including specialization and employer type. Controllers focusing on en route or radar operations tend to receive the highest remuneration, reflective of the complex skill set and responsibilities tied to managing high-altitude traffic through facilities such as ARTCCs. In contrast, those working in terminal radar approach control or airport traffic control towers may see slightly lower earnings, though these roles still provide competitive salaries. Additionally, pathways for advancement can significantly influence pay; controllers can progress from developmental roles to certified professional controllers and even traffic management coordinators or ATC managers. Advanced credentials—such as attaining CPC status or specialized training at the FAA Academy—frequently yield higher pay within Texas. Factors like shift differentials, overtime opportunities, and locality adjustments further enhance compensation, especially critical given the chronic staffing challenges that necessitate extensive overtime for experienced professionals.
More salary data for Hurst, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Hurst in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Hurst?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Hurst?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Hurst?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Hurst?
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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 $190,692 for air traffic controllers in the Hurst 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 Hurst 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