Air Traffic Controller Salary

Greensboro vs Monroe: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)

Compare air traffic controller salaries between Greensboro, NC and Monroe, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Greensboro, NC
$141,493
$68.02/hr
Monroe, NC
$132,152
$63.53/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGreensboro, NCMonroe, NC
Median Salary$141,493$132,152
Hourly Rate$68.02$63.53
Entry Level (P10)$82,066$76,649
25th Percentile$101,876$96,687
75th Percentile$181,111$168,895
Top Earner (P90)$219,314$187,497
Total Employed716
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Greensboro ($141,493) and Monroe ($132,152) air traffic controller salaries.GreensboroMonroeMedian Salary$141,493$132,152Entry Level (P10)$82,066$76,649Top Earner (P90)$219,314$187,497US Median $151,886

Verdict

Greensboro, NC offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Monroe.

The salary gap between Greensboro and Monroe is $9,341 (7.07%). Greensboro's median is -6.84% compared to the US national median of $151,886.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Greensboro spans $137,248,Monroe spans $110,848. Greensboro has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Greensboro
P10 (Entry)$82,066
P25$101,876
Median$141,493
P75$181,111
P90 (Top)$219,314
Monroe
P10 (Entry)$76,649
P25$96,687
Median$132,152
P75$168,895
P90 (Top)$187,497

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Greensboro ($151,168 effective) pays 7.07% more than Monroe ($141,188 effective).

Greensboro
Nominal: $141,493
CoL Index: 93.6
Adjusted: $151,168
Monroe
Nominal: $132,152
CoL Index: 93.6
Adjusted: $141,188

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Greensboro if…

  • Higher median salary ($141,493/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($219,314)
  • Larger job market (71 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,168)
  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Monroe if…

  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Greensboro grew 3.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 3.7% growth in Monroe over the same period.

Greensboro, NC

+3.7%

$132,974 (2024) → $137,948 (2025)

Monroe, NC

+3.7%

$124,195 (2024) → $128,841 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Greensboro or Monroe?

Greensboro has a higher median air traffic controller salary at $141,493/year, compared to Monroe at $132,152/year — a difference of $9,341 (7.07%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Greensboro and Monroe?

Greensboro air traffic controllers earn $68.02/hr while Monroe hygienists earn $63.53/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Greensboro to Monroe as a air traffic controller?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Greensboro and Monroe. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Greensboro = $151,168, Monroe = $141,188), job availability (71 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Greensboro vs Monroe?

Entry-level (10th percentile) air traffic controllers earn $82,066 in Greensboro and $76,649 in Monroe. The Greensboro area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

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