Air Traffic Controller jobs in Dallas, TX
Local pay, hiring demand and training costs for becoming a air traffic controller in the Dallas–Fort Worth, TX metro (8.1 million people). One of the fastest-growing metros in the US. Constant residential and data-center construction keeps trades busy, and corporate relocations feed tech and legal hiring.
Dallas numbers
- Local entry pay
- $46k–$62k as a trainee (paid during the academy)
- Local experienced pay
- $134k–$206k+ as a certified professional controller
- Local training cost
- $0 — the FAA pays you to train
- Hiring demand
- Steady in the Dallas metro
- Time to qualify
- 1–3 years including academy and facility training
- Credential needed
- FAA academy completion plus facility certification
Pay in Dallas runs 3% above the national average, while cost of living is 2% below the national average. Net effect: Above average — pay slightly outruns local costs. Figures are modelled from national ranges adjusted by local wage and cost indexes — treat them as planning estimates, not job offers.
Job availability in Dallas
Demand for aviation roles here is steady across a metro of 8.1 million. Employers and training providers worth checking first:
- Texas Health Resources
- Dallas College
- AT&T
- DFW airport contractors
What training costs here
Programs in Dallas run 15% below the national average — roughly $0 — the FAA pays you to train to reach your faa academy completion plus facility certification. Compare a local community or technical college against employer-paid apprenticeships before you pay tuition.
AI impact
Low. Automation assists sequencing, but separation decisions remain federally required human work.
Getting started from Dallas
Phase 1
Apply during an FAA hiring bid
Bids open periodically and close fast. You must be under 31 at application and pass the ATSA aptitude test and medical screening.
Phase 2
Complete the Oklahoma City academy
Several months of paid training with a real washout rate. Preparation for the ATSA and simulator work matters.
Phase 3
Certify at your facility
One to three years of on-the-job training at your assigned tower or center, with pay stepping up at each certification.