Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Huntersville, NC: $66.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Huntersville, NC runs $66.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,916 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Huntersville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,346 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Huntersville, North Carolina, earn a median hourly rate of $66.78 in 2026. This figure, while competitive, falls below the national hourly median of $73.02, highlighting a slight disparity for local controllers. The hourly pay scale ranges from $38.74 at entry-level positions to $95.14 for those among the highest earners. For part-time workers in the field, such as those operating in en route centers, TRACON facilities, and control tower positions, this hourly rate translates into practical earning potential. Controllers who choose to work three days a week can expect to earn a substantial income while gaining flexible hours, making this profession appealing for those who prefer a more balanced lifestyle. The hourly rates, derived from annual salary estimates, point toward an income that reflects the obligations and expertise required for this role in various air traffic control settings.
About the Huntersville 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) | $38.74 | $309.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.04 | $392.31 |
| Median (P50) | $66.78 | $534.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.99 | $679.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.14 | $761.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Huntersville
Based on $66.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.78/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Huntersville, NC can expect to earn approximately $138,909 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,140. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Huntersville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Huntersville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,671.33 | $11,576 | $138,909 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,602.80 | $6,945 | $83,346 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,068.53 | $4,630 | $55,564 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Huntersville) | $66.78 |
| 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 Huntersville, NC earn a median of $138,916 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.54% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.10% above the North Carolina state average of $137,404.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.78/hr = $83,346/year (purchasing power: $89,044).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,909/year (purchasing power: $148,407).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Huntersville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Huntersville grew 20.4% from $54.08/hr (2019) to $65.11/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.50/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 Huntersville 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 Huntersville
For air traffic controllers in Huntersville, opting for part-time work can deliver notable benefits, albeit with a trade-off. Working three days a week, an air traffic controller could potentially realize an annual income that still exceeds what many full-time positions offer, depending on overtime opportunities. Given the typical environment of understaffed facilities, overtime is often readily available, pushing some controllers' earnings significantly above their base hourly rates. In fact, many controllers working 50-60 hours a week can see a total compensation reach between $50,000 and $100,000 in additional pay. The hourly rates can also vary based on the employer type, with controllers in FAA en route centers often earning more than those at contract towers. While the allure of higher hourly wages exists, some may accept lower rates in exchange for comprehensive benefits, such as health insurance that full-time federal employees receive. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for negotiating the best pay package in Huntersville, particularly in this high-demand profession.
More salary data for Huntersville, 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 Huntersville. 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 Huntersville 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