Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $82,618 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Winston-Salem, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $82,618 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Winston-Salem's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $88,267 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($142,445) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting air traffic controller salary in Winston-Salem is projected to be around $82,618 for new graduates entering the workforce. This entry-level pay is significantly lower than the city median of $142,445, indicating a gap that many recent graduates should anticipate. Over the first three to five years, ambitious controllers can expect to progress from the lower end of the salary spectrum, potentially reaching as high as $102,561, which reflects the P25 threshold for early-career professionals in the area. Given Winston-Salem's relatively favorable cost of living index of 93.6, this market offers a solid foundation for fresh graduates seeking a foothold in the air traffic control profession.
About the Winston-Salem Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Winston-Salem
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winston-Salem
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Winston-Salem, NC typically start between $82,618 and $102,561 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $131,508 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $142,445 — 6.22% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in North Carolina of $32,000 represents just 38.73% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($82,618/year) in Winston-Salem. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Winston-Salem
- 1Research the Winston-Salem market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $82,618 to $102,561, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in NC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Winston-Salem, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Winston-Salem for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Winston-Salem's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Winston-Salem is $131,508 ( 159.18%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $82,618, experienced hygienists can earn up to $214,126.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$70,184
2025 BLS Actual
$80,548
2026 Current Est.
$82,618
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Winston-Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,184 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,734 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,831 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,587 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,257 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,643 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,548 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,618 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,741 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Winston-Salem, NC grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $70,184 in 2019 to $80,548 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,741. New graduates entering the Winston-Salem job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winston-Salem metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your aviation Career in Winston-Salem
Fresh graduates interested in landing their first job as an air traffic controller in Winston-Salem should consider the various hiring pathways available, primarily through the FAA, which recruits new controllers either through collegiate partnerships or off-the-street hiring programs. These opportunities are usually time-sensitive, as the FAA often looks for applicants under the age of 31 unless they are military veterans. All candidates must possess U.S. citizenship and either a relevant degree or a combination of experience to qualify. Engaging in continuing education, like passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test, can also bolster starting pay. In the first few years on the job, controllers can expect salary growth depending on their performance and facility assignments, especially given the federal pay scale's structure. As many top-tier facilities offer competitive compensation, leveraging overtime options can significantly enhance earnings. With mandatory retirement at age 56, strategic advancement early in one's career is crucial for maximizing salary potential in the long-term context of this profession.
More salary data for Winston-Salem, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Winston-Salem in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Winston-Salem?
Is aviation school worth it in Winston-Salem?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Winston-Salem?
How do I become a air traffic controller in North Carolina?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Winston-Salem. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Winston-Salem is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov