📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Air Traffic Controller Salary in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina · 9.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$126,108
per year
Median
$120,557
per year
Hourly
$60.63
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$70,188
25th Percentile — Junior$90,754
50th Percentile — Median$120,557
75th Percentile — Senior$137,028
90th Percentile — Top Earners$154,447
💡 Top-earning Air Traffic Controllers in North Carolina make up to $154,447 per year. The job market in North Carolina is rated strong, with key industries including Technology, Finance, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$111.5k
2021
$114.2k
2022
$117.1k
2023
$120.0k
2024
$123.0k
2025
$126.1k
2026
📈 Air Traffic Controller salaries in North Carolina have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong demand in North Carolina's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Air Traffic Controller Salary by City in North Carolina
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Charlotte $121,064 -4.0% High
Raleigh $123,586 -2.0% High
Greensboro $113,497 -10.0% High
Durham $122,325 -3.0% High
Winston-Salem $109,714 -13.0% High
🔍
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in North Carolina
Key factors affecting compensation

North Carolina is home to a strong job market for Air Traffic Controllers. The state's key industries — Technology, Finance, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $126,108 per year, North Carolina's Air Traffic Controller salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in North Carolina (index: 0.91) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in North Carolina can expect to earn $70,188–$90,754, while experienced Air Traffic Controllers can command $137,028–$154,447.

Looking ahead, the Air Traffic Controller profession in North Carolina is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Air Traffic Controller salary in North Carolina is $126,108 per year in 2026, which is 9.0% below the national average of $138,580.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Air Traffic Controllers the highest wages in North Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • North Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Technology, Finance, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Air Traffic Controller employment.
  • At $126,108/year, North Carolina Air Traffic Controller salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average of $138,580/year.