Air Traffic Controller Salary

Greensboro vs Morrisville: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)

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

Greensboro, NC
$141,493
$68.02/hr
Morrisville, NC
$135,448
$65.12/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGreensboro, NCMorrisville, NC
Median Salary$141,493$135,448
Hourly Rate$68.02$65.12
Entry Level (P10)$82,066$78,559
25th Percentile$101,876$97,523
75th Percentile$181,111$169,009
Top Earner (P90)$219,314$185,446
Total Employed715
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Greensboro ($141,493) and Morrisville ($135,448) air traffic controller salaries.GreensboroMorrisvilleMedian Salary$141,493$135,448Entry Level (P10)$82,066$78,559Top Earner (P90)$219,314$185,446US Median $151,886

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Greensboro and Morrisville is $6,045 (4.46%). 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,Morrisville spans $106,887. 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
Morrisville
P10 (Entry)$78,559
P25$97,523
Median$135,448
P75$169,009
P90 (Top)$185,446

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Greensboro ($151,168 effective) pays 4.46% more than Morrisville ($144,709 effective).

Greensboro
Nominal: $141,493
CoL Index: 93.6
Adjusted: $151,168
Morrisville
Nominal: $135,448
CoL Index: 93.6
Adjusted: $144,709

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 Morrisville 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 Morrisville over the same period.

Greensboro, NC

+3.7%

$132,974 (2024) → $137,948 (2025)

Morrisville, NC

+3.7%

$127,293 (2024) → $132,054 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Greensboro has a higher median air traffic controller salary at $141,493/year, compared to Morrisville at $135,448/year — a difference of $6,045 (4.46%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Greensboro and Morrisville?

Greensboro air traffic controllers earn $68.02/hr while Morrisville hygienists earn $65.12/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Greensboro and Morrisville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Greensboro = $151,168, Morrisville = $144,709), job availability (71 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) air traffic controllers earn $82,066 in Greensboro and $78,559 in Morrisville. 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