Transportation & Logistics Austin, TX Pop. 978,908

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Austin, Texas

The median air traffic controller salary in Austin, TX is $144,249 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 14.1% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$144,249
vs State Avg
+$17,859
vs National
+$6,869
Cost of Living
105%

Air Traffic Controller Pay in Austin: What to Expect (2026)

Austin offers a median air traffic controller salary of $144,249, which is $17,859 above the Texas state average of $126,390. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Austin pays above average for this role.

Austin's cost of living is 105% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Austin spans from $86,100 at the 10th percentile to $207,900 at the 90th percentile — a $121,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $89,250, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $199,500. As a major metro area with a population of 978,908, Austin typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Austin by Experience

In Austin, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $89,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $199,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$89,250
+$4,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$147,000
+$7,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$199,500
+$9,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Austin, TX

Percentile Austin
10th Percentile $86,100
25th Percentile $113,400
Median (50th) $144,249
75th Percentile $183,750
90th Percentile $207,900

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Texas Cities

Dallas, TX
$137,380
Pop. 1,304,379
Houston, TX
$131,885
Pop. 2,304,580
Fort Worth, TX
$126,390
Pop. 918,915
San Antonio, TX
$120,894
Pop. 1,434,625

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Austin

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Austin and the surrounding Texas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Radar SystemsCommunicationDecision MakingStress ManagementFAA RegulationsSituational Awareness

Job Outlook

Nationally, air traffic controller employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Austin may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Austin

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Austin, TX:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Austin

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Austin, TX? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Austin, Texas is $144,249 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $86,100 (10th percentile) to $207,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Austin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $144,249, a air traffic controller in Austin earns approximately $69 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Austin compare to the Texas state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Austin's median air traffic controller salary of $144,249 is 14.1% above the Texas state average of $126,390. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Austin, TX? ▼
Austin has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $144,249 in Austin has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Austin? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Austin require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Radar Systems, Communication, Decision Making, Stress Management. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.