Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Tyler, TX: $222,249 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Tyler, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $222,249/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Tyler's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $231,509 in average-cost America. The 51% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, seasoned professionals in air traffic control in Tyler, Texas, have the potential to earn competitive salaries, with those reaching the 90th percentile making up to $222,249 annually. Additionally, the 75th percentile earns around $188,330, showcasing a significant advancement over the median annual salary of $147,133 for experienced air traffic controllers in the area. The gap between the median and top earners highlights the experience premium, suggesting that professionals who exhibit advanced skills and expertise can command higher compensation. Achieving such top-tier pay typically requires a blend of specialized training, experience in critical sectors—such as en route or terminal radar—and a commitment to continued professional development within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines.
About the Tyler Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($148,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tyler
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Tyler earn between $188,330 and $222,249 per year (2026 est.). This $136,912 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Tyler median of $147,133 sits 3.13% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Tyler | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $147,133 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $188,330 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $222,249 | $221,151 |
In Tyler, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 51.05% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Tyler
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $147,133 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Tyler employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Tyler command premium compensation, often reaching the $188,330–$222,249 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Tyler 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 Tyler 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 Tyler
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedTyler ranks #24 of 109 Texas cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $222,249).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Tyler ($222,249) is 3.77% below the Texas average P90 ($230,955).
2019 BLS Actual
$177,195
2025 BLS Actual
$216,680
2026 Current Est.
$222,249
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Tyler (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $177,195 | Actual |
| 2020 | $185,697 | Actual |
| 2021 | $186,913 | Actual |
| 2022 | $190,742 | Actual |
| 2023 | $201,987 | Actual |
| 2024 | $216,459 | Actual |
| 2025 | $216,680 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $222,249 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $227,960 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Tyler saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $177,195 in 2019 to $216,680 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 $227,960 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tyler 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 Tyler
Specialized roles within air traffic control in Tyler, TX, play a substantial role in determining senior-level compensation. Positions like en route/radar controllers typically command the highest salaries, while terminal radar and traffic management coordinator roles also offer competitive pay. Differences across employer types—ranging from FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities to military ATC—further diversify earning potential, with federal facilities generally providing higher pay scales compared to smaller contract towers. Career advancement pathways for experienced air traffic controllers often ascend from developmental controllers to certified professional controllers (CPC), and eventually to roles like operations supervisor or facility manager. Those with advanced credentials can significantly boost their earning potential by completing the FAA's rigorous training and certification processes, while factors such as shift differentials and overtime frequently contribute to enhanced overall compensation.
More salary data for Tyler, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Tyler in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Tyler?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Tyler?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Tyler?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Tyler?
Related Pages
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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 $216,680 for air traffic controllers in the Tyler 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 Tyler 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