Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Charlotte, NC: $72.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Charlotte, NC runs $72.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $150,630 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Charlotte's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $77.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $90,373 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Charlotte, North Carolina, offers competitive air traffic controller hourly pay, with a median rate of $72.41 in 2026, slightly lower than the national median of $73.02. This figure reflects the dynamics within the profession, particularly for those working part-time or in per-diem roles. For controllers operating in en route center radar consoles or TRACON facilities, the hourly earnings can vary significantly. Entry-level positions may start around $42.00 per hour, while top earners can reach up to $107.20, showcasing a pay scale that rewards experience and performance. It’s essential for air traffic controllers in Charlotte to understand this range when considering the variances associated with different types of facilities, including airport traffic control towers and contract towers, where staffing practices can influence pay structures.
About the Charlotte 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) | $42.00 | $336.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.14 | $417.09 |
| Median (P50) | $72.41 | $579.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92.69 | $741.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107.20 | $857.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charlotte
Based on $72.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $72.41/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charlotte, NC can expect to earn approximately $150,622 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $86,897. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Charlotte.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charlotte
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,896.58 | $12,552 | $150,622 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,737.95 | $7,531 | $90,373 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,158.63 | $5,021 | $60,249 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Charlotte) | $72.41 |
| 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 Charlotte, NC earn a median of $150,630 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.83% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 9.60% above the North Carolina state average of $137,436.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $72.41/hr = $90,373/year (purchasing power: $96,553).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $150,622/year (purchasing power: $160,921).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$58.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$72.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Charlotte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Charlotte grew 20.4% from $58.64/hr (2019) to $70.60/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.28/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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte
The earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers can be notable. A controller working three days per week, totaling 24 hours, can anticipate a substantial yearly take-home pay grounded in the hourly wage structure, although this income may pale in comparison to what full-time employees could achieve. For many, the reality of per-diem air traffic controller pay in Charlotte encompasses additional factors such as overtime, which can significantly boost the effective hourly rate to exceed base pay. With many controllers routinely working 50-60 hours a week due to chronic staffing shortages, they often realize $50,000 to $100,000 more through overtime. Different employers can also offer varying compensation structures—FAA facilities typically provide solid benefits that higher hourly rates without health insurance may lack. As controllers consider their options, negotiating benefits vs. hourly rates becomes a critical part of securing favorable work terms in a competitive environment like Charlotte, particularly at a time when the FAA faces delays in hiring to meet its operational needs.
More salary data for Charlotte, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Charlotte. 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 Charlotte 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