Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Greer, SC: $78,895 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Greer, SC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,895 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Greer's local price level (BEA RPP 91.5 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $86,224 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($136,026) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new air traffic controller graduates in Greer, South Carolina, the entry-level pay presents a promising start. In 2026, a starting salary is projected at $78,895, which positions entry-level controllers significantly lower than the city median of $136,026. This gap highlights the typical progression new graduates can expect during their initial years on the job, moving from their starting salary to around $97,939 within a few years, and potentially reaching the city median within three to five years of service. Greer’s market appears to be favorable for new grads seeking a foothold in air traffic control, reinforced by the area’s growing demand for skilled professionals in aviation.
About the Greer Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Greer
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 Greer
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Greer, SC typically start between $78,895 and $97,939 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $114,732 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $136,026 — 10.44% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in South Carolina of $32,000 represents just 40.56% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($78,895/year) in Greer. 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 Greer
- 1Research the Greer market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $78,895 to $97,939, 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 SC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Greer, 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 Greer for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Greer'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 Greer is $114,732 ( 145.42%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,895, experienced hygienists can earn up to $193,627.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$67,021
2025 BLS Actual
$76,918
2026 Current Est.
$78,895
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Greer (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,021 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,366 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,503 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,181 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,731 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,900 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,918 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,895 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,922 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Greer, SC grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $67,021 in 2019 to $76,918 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,922. New graduates entering the Greer job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Greer 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 Greer
Looking deeper into employment opportunities in Greer, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the primary employer of entry-level controllers, with hiring routes through public notifications and partnerships with the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program. For applicants, a pathway exists for military veterans and a requirement to apply before age 31 otherwise. Graduate qualifications must include U.S. citizenship, a bachelor's degree, or relevant experience, coupled with passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test. Those on this path should anticipate attending the FAA Academy for Initial Qualification Training, where they undergo an immersive program that could last between three to five months. In the earliest years, controllers should prepare for a slow salary ramp-up, where consistent performance and additional certifications can lead to higher pay. Initial roles typically carry potential for substantial overtime due to staffing shortages, especially evident since the 2013 budget constraints, thus increasing earning potential substantially over time.
More salary data for Greer, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Greer in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Greer?
Is aviation school worth it in Greer?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Greer?
How do I become a air traffic controller in South Carolina?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in South 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 Greer. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Greer 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