verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Air Traffic Controller Salary in North Carolina

Median Annual in North Carolina
$129,230/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$62.13/hr
▼ 13% below U.S. median

Salary Distribution in North Carolina

groups Employed in NC
410
public U.S. Median
$148,080
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$137,004 #19 of 43

Air Traffic Controller pay in North Carolina, explained

Air traffic controllers in North Carolina earn a median of $129,230 per year ($62.13 per hour), which is 13% below the national median of $148,080. Entry-level workers earn around $88,690, while the most experienced air traffic controllers reach about $191,530. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within North Carolina.

Is $129,230 good pay in North Carolina?

Adjusted for North Carolina's cost of living (which runs 94% of the U.S. average), that $129,230 is worth about $137,004 in national buying power — ranking North Carolina #19 for real pay (vs #23 on the sticker number).

See the full Air Traffic Controller Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Air Traffic Controller pay by experience in North Carolina

Entry level (10th pct)
$88,690
$42.64/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$129,230
$62.13/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$191,530
$92.08/hr

Air Traffic Controller pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs NC
North Carolina (here) $129,230 $137,004
Virginia $191,820 $189,725 −$62,590
Georgia $178,420 $185,289 −$49,190
Tennessee $157,330 $171,253 −$28,100
South Carolina $112,030 $119,500 +$17,200

Air Traffic Controller in North Carolina: FAQ

How much do air traffic controllers make in North Carolina?

Air traffic controllers in North Carolina earn a median of $129,230 per year ($62.13 per hour), compared with $148,080 nationally.

Does North Carolina pay air traffic controllers well?

At $129,230, North Carolina pays 13% below the national median for air traffic controllers. An estimated 410 work in the state.

Air Traffic Controller salary in other states

All 43 states ranked arrow_forward

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