Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Holly Springs, NC: $63.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Holly Springs, NC runs $63.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $132,622 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Holly Springs's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,569 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Holly Springs, NC, air traffic controllers receive a median hourly pay of $63.76, which is noticeably lower than the national average of $73.02. This figure reflects the competitive nature of the region, where controllers typically work in various settings, including en route center radar consoles and airport traffic control towers. For part-time controllers working three days a week, this equates to a stable yet comparatively modest income that can certainly support living in Holly Springs, which has a cost of living index below the national average at 93.6. The hourly rate ranges from $37.13 for entry-level positions to $90.90 for those at the top of their careers, demonstrating the potential for growth in this profession as experience and responsibilities increase.
About the Holly Springs 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) | $37.13 | $297.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.91 | $367.28 |
| Median (P50) | $63.76 | $510.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.61 | $652.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.90 | $727.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Holly Springs
Based on $63.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.76/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Holly Springs, NC can expect to earn approximately $132,616 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,509. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Holly Springs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Holly Springs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,550.30 | $11,051 | $132,616 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,530.18 | $6,631 | $79,569 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,020.12 | $4,421 | $53,046 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Holly Springs) | $63.76 |
| 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 Holly Springs, NC earn a median of $132,622 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.68% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.50% below the North Carolina state average of $137,432.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.76/hr = $79,569/year (purchasing power: $85,010).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $132,616/year (purchasing power: $141,683).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Holly Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Holly Springs grew 20.4% from $51.63/hr (2019) to $62.16/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.40/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 Holly Springs 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 Holly Springs
Part-time air traffic controllers in Holly Springs, working 24 hours a week, could expect an annual income that affords a comfortable living, but it's worth considering the dynamics of per-diem employment setups. Many controllers may supplement their income significantly through overtime, often clocking in 50-60 hours a week, which can lead to an effective hourly compensation that far exceeds their base rate. This flexibility of choosing work schedules potentially allows for lucrative earnings, especially when working in high-demand facilities. Variations in hourly pay can also arise depending on the type of employer, such as FAA en route centers, FAA TRACON facilities, or contract towers. Controllers often face trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits versus lower rates that come with comprehensive health insurance. For those negotiating in this field, understanding the local job market and the available facilities in Holly Springs can lead to more favorable outcomes.
More salary data for Holly Springs, 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 Holly Springs. 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 Holly Springs 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