Dallas vs Odessa: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Dallas, TX and Odessa, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Odessa, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $191,303▲ | $144,223 |
| Hourly Rate | $91.97▲ | $69.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,534▲ | $83,649 |
| 25th Percentile | $148,019▲ | $103,840 |
| 75th Percentile | $208,904▲ | $184,605 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $229,449▲ | $212,040 |
| Total Employed | 800▲ | 17 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Odessa.
The salary gap between Dallas and Odessa is $47,080 (32.64%). Dallas's median is +25.95% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $129,915,Odessa spans $128,391. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($185,569 effective) pays 23.52% more than Odessa ($150,232 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($191,303/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($229,449)
- ✓Larger job market (800 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $185,569)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Odessa if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Dallas grew 25.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.1% growth in Odessa over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$148,480 (2019) → $186,510 (2025)
Odessa, TX
$140,533 (2024) → $140,609 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
Odessa, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Dallas or Odessa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Odessa?
Should I relocate from Dallas to Odessa as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Dallas vs Odessa?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov