Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Garner, NC: $63.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Garner, NC runs $63.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,854 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Garner's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $67.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,109 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Garner, North Carolina, the projected air traffic controller hourly pay for 2026 is $63.39, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This disparity translates into different earning possibilities, especially for part-time and per-diem workers. Controllers working a typical three-day week, totaling 24 hours, can expect substantial earnings from a profession that operates primarily in complex environments, such as en route centers, TRACON facilities adjacent to major airports, and airport control towers. Those just starting in the field earn around $36.77 per hour, while the top earners, often with years of experience and additional responsibilities, can make as much as $92.07 per hour. These hourly rates are estimated from annual salary data, reflecting the competitive nature of air traffic control in Garner, NC.
About the Garner 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) | $36.77 | $294.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.21 | $369.66 |
| Median (P50) | $63.39 | $507.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.14 | $649.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.07 | $736.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Garner
Based on $63.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.39/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Garner, NC can expect to earn approximately $131,848 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,066. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Garner.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Garner
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,535.53 | $10,987 | $131,848 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,521.32 | $6,592 | $79,109 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,014.21 | $4,395 | $52,739 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Garner) | $63.39 |
| 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 Garner, NC earn a median of $131,854 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.19% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.10% below the North Carolina state average of $137,491.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.39/hr = $79,109/year (purchasing power: $84,518).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,848/year (purchasing power: $140,863).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Garner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Garner grew 20.4% from $51.33/hr (2019) to $61.80/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.02/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 Garner 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 Garner
For part-time air traffic controllers working 24 hours a week, annual earnings can vary widely, especially compared to full-time counterparts. While a full-time worker may exceed the six-figure range easily, part-time controllers might earn significantly less if they forgo comprehensive benefits. Per-diem air traffic controller pay in Garner can fluctuate depending on training needs and how many hours are worked. Controllers often find themselves working overtime due to chronic staffing shortages, allowing their effective hourly compensation to rise considerably—potentially earning $50,000 to $100,000 more annually through additional hours. Pay rates also differ across employer types within Garner, from FAA-operated sites like ARTCCs to smaller contract facilities. Some may opt for lower hourly wages that come with health benefits, prompting practical negotiations that can help boost their overall compensation package.
More salary data for Garner, 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 Garner. 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 Garner 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