TransportationOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Air Traffic Controller Salary in Dallas
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$187,362/yr
Typical range: $167,167 – $204,308
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Air Traffic Controller salary by experience level in Dallas
Air Traffic Controller Salary Progression in Dallas
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 | $91,004 | $7,584 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $112,417 | $9,368 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $126,692 | $10,558 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $144,536 | $12,045 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $187,362 | $15,614 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $228,046 | $19,004 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $238,217 | $19,851 | +162% |
Current Salary
$187,362
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $90/hr
Next Level Target
$228,046
Principal · 14
+$41Kpotential 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 Dallas, TX?
Staff / Lead Air Traffic Controllers in Dallas, TX earn approximately $187K 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 Dallas, TX?
Based on $187K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $90/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Air Traffic Controller in Dallas, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Air Traffic Controller in Dallas, TX earns $167K–$204K/yr.