Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Conway, SC: $73,278 (2026)

In Conway, employers hiring entry-level controllers primarily include the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which regularly recruits fresh talent through both public hiring announcements and partnerships with select universities in the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program. New graduates should focus on meeting the necessary credentials, such as obtaining U.S. citizenship, having a relevant bachelor's degree or extensive work experience, and successfully passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). While the pathway to full certification as a control tower operator can take 1-3 years of facility-specific training, it’s crucial for entrants to engage in ongoing professional development. Given the current labor shortages, many controllers enjoy robust overtime opportunities, particularly at major en route centers where overall earnings can significantly exceed the starting range. Understanding the specific structure of the FG pay scale, distinct from the General Schedule (GS), will also help aspiring controllers navigate their potential earning capacity effectively in South Carolina over the first few years of their careers.