Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Asheville, NC: $64.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Asheville, NC runs $64.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,072 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Asheville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,440 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Asheville, North Carolina, the air traffic controller hourly pay stands at a median of $64.45, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02. This figure reflects the realities of control tower operations and other work environments unique to Asheville, such as en route center radar consoles and TRACON facilities. Part-time controllers working three days a week can potentially earn a substantial income, making this profession appealing for those seeking flexible schedules. The hourly pay range varies significantly, from $37.39 for entry-level positions to $93.69 for the top earners, showcasing a compelling pathway for career advancement within the air traffic control sector. These hourly estimates are derived from annual salary data, highlighting how pay can fluctuate based on experience, facility type, and the specific demands of the role.
About the Asheville 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) | $37.39 | $299.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.41 | $371.30 |
| Median (P50) | $64.45 | $515.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.51 | $660.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.69 | $749.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Asheville
Based on $64.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.45/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Asheville, NC can expect to earn approximately $134,066 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,346. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Asheville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Asheville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,578.20 | $11,172 | $134,066 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,546.92 | $6,703 | $80,440 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,031.28 | $4,469 | $53,627 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Asheville) | $64.45 |
| 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 Asheville, NC earn a median of $134,072 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.73% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.50% below the North Carolina state average of $137,510.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.45/hr = $80,440/year (purchasing power: $85,940).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,066/year (purchasing power: $143,233).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Asheville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Asheville grew 20.4% from $52.19/hr (2019) to $62.84/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.11/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 Asheville 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 Asheville
Examining the potential earnings further reveals intriguing dynamics for air traffic controllers in Asheville, particularly for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. A part-time controller working 24 hours a week can anticipate a yearly income that falls well below what full-time employees earn, but still offers a reasonable living. Additionally, many controllers in this area, especially those in understaffed FAA facilities, often find themselves working 50-60 hours weekly, pushing their actual earnings well beyond the standard hourly rate through overtime compensation. Notably, per diem air traffic controller pay in Asheville can fluctuate, especially during training or transition to new facilities, where negotiating certain rates is common. Those seeking employment in Asheville should consider the various employer types, such as FAA en route centers, military control towers, and contract facilities, as each offers different compensation structures. This variance means that accepting a lower hourly rate may be beneficial for some professionals in terms of securing health benefits. Effectively negotiating compensation while understanding the demand in Asheville's labor market is imperative for controllers aimed at maximizing their pay and job satisfaction.
More salary data for Asheville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Asheville in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Asheville?
Are air traffic controllers in Asheville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Asheville?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Asheville?
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
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 Asheville. 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 Asheville 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