Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Apex, NC: $66.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Apex, NC runs $66.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,372 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Apex's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,026 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Apex, North Carolina, command a median hourly rate of $66.53, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $73.02. This rate reflects the work performed at various facilities, including en route center radar consoles and airport traffic control tower cabs. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the ability to make a solid income becomes accessible through this hourly pay, translating into manageable per-diem earnings as well. Entry-level air traffic controllers can expect to start around $38.59 per hour, while highly experienced professionals may earn up to $94.24 per hour, highlighting the significant income potential within the field, despite the relative proximity to the national averages.
About the Apex Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.59 | $308.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.53 | $388.21 |
| Median (P50) | $66.53 | $532.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.33 | $674.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.24 | $753.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apex
Based on $66.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.53/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apex, NC can expect to earn approximately $138,376 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,832. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Apex.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apex
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,661.08 | $11,531 | $138,376 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,596.65 | $6,919 | $83,026 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,064.43 | $4,613 | $55,350 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Apex) | $66.53 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Apex, NC earn a median of $138,372 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.90% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.70% above the North Carolina state average of $137,410.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.53/hr = $83,026/year (purchasing power: $88,703).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,376/year (purchasing power: $147,838).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Apex (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Apex grew 20.4% from $53.87/hr (2019) to $64.86/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.24/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apex 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Apex
Analyzing the earning dynamics offers further insight into the financial realities for air traffic controllers in Apex. A part-time controller working a typical schedule of 24 hours each week might take home significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts, likely due to lower hours despite an attractive hourly wage. Additionally, many controllers opt for per-diem arrangements or agency roles, where overtime opportunities can drive effective hourly compensation well beyond base rates. Controllers in understaffed facilities often find themselves clocking 50 to 60 hours each week, leading to substantial annual earnings driven by overtime pay rates at 1.5 times their base. In Apex, the hourly rates can vary based on employer type, with FAA en route centers, terminal approach controls, and airport control towers providing distinct compensation structures. While some may choose positions with reduced hourly pay in exchange for better health benefits, practical negotiation skills are vital in this job market. Controllers should consider the total compensation package rather than focusing solely on hourly rates when evaluating job offers.
More salary data for Apex, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Apex. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Apex 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