TransportationOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Air Traffic Controller Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$202,843/yr
Typical range: $180,979 – $221,190
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Air Traffic Controller salary by experience level in Austin
Air Traffic Controller Salary Progression in Austin
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $98,524 | $8,210 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $121,706 | $10,142 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $137,161 | $11,430 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $156,479 | $13,040 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $202,843 | $16,904 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $246,889 | $20,574 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $257,901 | $21,492 | +162% |
Current Salary
$202,843
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $98/hr
Next Level Target
$246,889
Principal · 14
+$44Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
33/100
High Risk
+3% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Air Traffic Controller salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Air Traffic Controllers in Austin, TX earn approximately $203K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $203K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $98/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Air Traffic Controller in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Air Traffic Controller in Austin, TX earns $181K–$221K/yr.