Lexington vs North Charleston: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Lexington, SC and North Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, SC | North Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,338 | $141,249▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.18 | $67.91▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,016 | $81,925▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $93,123 | $102,764▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $159,892 | $180,799▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,724 | $205,363▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 22▲ |
Verdict
North Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Lexington and North Charleston is $11,911 (9.21%). North Charleston's median is -7.00% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $98,708,North Charleston spans $123,438. North Charleston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, North Charleston ($154,370 effective) pays 9.21% more than Lexington ($141,353 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose North Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,249/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($205,363)
- ✓Larger job market (22 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,370)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Lexington grew 16.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.7% growth in North Charleston over the same period.
Lexington, SC
$108,033 (2024) → $126,097 (2025)
North Charleston, SC
$117,982 (2024) → $137,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, SC
North Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Lexington or North Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and North Charleston?
Should I relocate from Lexington to North Charleston as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Lexington vs North Charleston?
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.
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