Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Killeen, TX: $228,259 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Killeen, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $228,259/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Killeen's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $237,770 in average-cost America. The 53% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Killeen, Texas, seasoned air traffic controllers can anticipate substantial financial rewards, particularly for those at the upper end of the pay scale. With a median annual salary projected at $148,923 for 2026, the earning potential broadens significantly when considering the top earners. The projected 90th percentile salary of $228,259 shows the extensive gap that exists between the median and the highest earners. Attaining such a salary in Killeen requires years of experience, specialized training, and holding advanced certifications that enhance one's qualifications. Controllers who have completed their certifications and taken on additional responsibilities can effectively navigate their careers toward these lucrative positions.
About the Killeen Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Killeen
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Killeen earn between $190,622 and $228,259 per year (2026 est.). This $141,884 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Killeen median of $148,923 sits 1.95% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Killeen | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $148,923 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $190,622 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $228,259 | $221,151 |
In Killeen, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 53.27% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Killeen
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $148,923 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Killeen employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Killeen command premium compensation, often reaching the $190,622–$228,259 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Killeen 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 Killeen 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 Killeen
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKilleen ranks #13 of 109 Texas cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $228,259).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Killeen ($228,259) is 1.17% below the Texas average P90 ($230,955).
2019 BLS Actual
$181,987
2025 BLS Actual
$222,540
2026 Current Est.
$228,259
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Killeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $181,987 | Actual |
| 2020 | $190,719 | Actual |
| 2021 | $191,968 | Actual |
| 2022 | $195,900 | Actual |
| 2023 | $120,140 | Actual |
| 2024 | $222,314 | Actual |
| 2025 | $222,540 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $228,259 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $234,126 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Killeen saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $181,987 in 2019 to $222,540 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 $234,126 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Killeen 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 Killeen
Factors influencing senior air traffic controller pay in Killeen vary widely by specialization and employer type. Those proficient in en route or radar operations generally command the highest salaries, given their critical role in managing high-altitude traffic across extensive airspace. Additionally, controller roles within the FAA's en route centers, particularly those like ARTCC, are lucrative thanks to their significant traffic management duties. Meanwhile, controllers in terminal radar approach facilities and airport control towers have distinct compensation packages that reflect their specific operational settings. Leadership positions also significantly elevate earning potential, where pathways lead from a developmental controller cascading through ranks to become a facility manager. Holding advanced credentials, coupled with favorable demographic factors, can increase pay. Shift differentials and overtime pay, particularly in Killeen’s candidate-scarce atmosphere, further elevate earnings for experienced air traffic controllers, enhancing the overall compensation landscape in this region.
More salary data for Killeen, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Killeen in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Killeen?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Killeen?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Killeen?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Killeen?
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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 $222,540 for air traffic controllers in the Killeen 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 Killeen 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