Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Chapel Hill, NC: $65.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Chapel Hill, NC runs $65.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,207 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Chapel Hill's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,322 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those working in air traffic control in Chapel Hill, NC, the expected hourly remuneration stands at $65.96, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02. This discrepancy can impact decisions for both part-time air traffic controllers and those in per-diem roles within various facilities like en route centers, TRACONs, and airport traffic control towers. The hourly pay range in this profession spans from approximately $38.26 for entry-level positions to $98.91 for highly experienced controllers. These figures indicate potential earnings that can vary significantly based on experience, employer type, and the workload associated with managing air traffic in a busy regional airspace.
About the Chapel Hill 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) | $38.26 | $306.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.49 | $379.92 |
| Median (P50) | $65.96 | $527.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.39 | $675.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.91 | $791.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chapel Hill
Based on $65.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.96/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chapel Hill, NC can expect to earn approximately $137,203 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,155. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chapel Hill.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chapel Hill
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,638.51 | $11,434 | $137,203 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,583.11 | $6,860 | $82,322 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,055.40 | $4,573 | $54,881 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Chapel Hill) | $65.96 |
| 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 Chapel Hill, NC earn a median of $137,207 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.66% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.20% below the North Carolina state average of $137,482.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.96/hr = $82,322/year (purchasing power: $87,950).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,203/year (purchasing power: $146,584).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Chapel Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Chapel Hill grew 20.4% from $53.41/hr (2019) to $64.31/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.66/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 Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill
Taking a deeper look at the earning dynamics within the field reveals substantial opportunities for part-time controllers working three days a week, potentially generating an income significantly below full-time peers. In contrast, many controllers working in understaffed environments often log overtime, enhancing their effective hourly compensation well above base rates. These shifts in scheduling allow for flexible per diem air traffic controller pay in Chapel Hill, particularly during facility transfer training. The variance in hourly compensation can also reflect the type of facility—whether it be FAA en route centers or military operations—and the subsequent trade-offs between hourly rates and benefits such as healthcare. Practical negotiation remains key for air traffic controllers to secure favorable pay most suited to their individual needs while navigating the realities of their pivotal roles in air traffic management.
More salary data for Chapel Hill, 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 Chapel Hill. 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 Chapel Hill 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