Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Longview, TX: $207,663 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Longview, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $207,663/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Longview's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $216,316 in average-cost America. The 43% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Longview, Texas, the senior air traffic controller pay exemplifies a lucrative career trajectory for those with extensive experience. With top earners potentially reaching $207,663 in annual salary by 2026, this market offers considerable financial rewards for seasoned professionals. The significant gap between the median annual salary of $145,166 and the upper echelon compensation reflects the experience premium in this industry. Achieving this level of pay requires not only a depth of experience—typically over seven years—but also a comprehensive understanding of the nuanced challenges of air traffic control operations in both civilian and military settings.
About the Longview Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Longview
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Longview earn between $185,238 and $207,663 per year (2026 est.). This $123,466 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Longview median of $145,166 sits 4.42% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Longview | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $145,166 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $185,238 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $207,663 | $221,151 |
In Longview, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 43.05% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Longview
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $145,166 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Longview employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Longview command premium compensation, often reaching the $185,238–$207,663 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Longview 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 Longview 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 Longview
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLongview ranks #62 of 109 Texas cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $207,663).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Longview ($207,663) is 10.09% below the Texas average P90 ($230,955).
2019 BLS Actual
$165,566
2025 BLS Actual
$202,460
2026 Current Est.
$207,663
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Longview (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $165,566 | Actual |
| 2020 | $173,510 | Actual |
| 2021 | $174,647 | Actual |
| 2022 | $178,224 | Actual |
| 2023 | $188,732 | Actual |
| 2024 | $202,249 | Actual |
| 2025 | $202,460 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $207,663 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $213,000 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Longview saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $165,566 in 2019 to $202,460 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 $213,000 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Longview 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 Longview
Experts in Longview who command premium compensation often hold specializations in areas such as en route radar, terminal radar approach control, and tower operations. Each of these sectors carries its own pay scales, influenced by the type of employer, whether it's an FAA en route center, a terminal control facility, or military units. Advancement pathways are well-defined; controllers typically progress from developmental roles to certified professional controllers, potentially moving into supervisory or managerial positions. Obtaining advanced credentials, including CPC certification and specialized training, can bolster earning potential significantly. Additionally, factors like locality pay, shift differentials, and overtime opportunities contribute to overall compensation, aligning experienced air traffic controller salaries in Longview with the continued demand for skilled professionals in this critical safety role.
More salary data for Longview, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Longview in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Longview?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Longview?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Longview?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Longview?
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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 $202,460 for air traffic controllers in the Longview 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 Longview 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