Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Matthews, NC: $65.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Matthews, NC runs $65.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,864 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Matthews's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,515 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Matthews, North Carolina, the air traffic controller hourly pay is set at a median of $65.32, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $73.02. For air traffic controllers who opt for part-time schedules, such as working three days a week, this translates to a significant yet manageable income. The role often includes night shifts in various settings like en route centers and TRACON facilities, where controllers manage air traffic flow in high-pressure environments. Those just starting can expect to earn around $37.89 per hour, while more experienced professionals can command rates as high as $90.03, reflecting the sector's pay scale structure that is often based on experience and facility assignments.
About the Matthews 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) | $37.89 | $303.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.03 | $376.23 |
| Median (P50) | $65.32 | $522.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.72 | $653.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.03 | $720.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Matthews
Based on $65.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.32/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Matthews, NC can expect to earn approximately $135,858 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,380. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Matthews.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Matthews
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,612.66 | $11,322 | $135,858 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,567.60 | $6,793 | $81,515 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,045.07 | $4,529 | $54,343 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Matthews) | $65.32 |
| 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 Matthews, NC earn a median of $135,864 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.55% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.10% below the North Carolina state average of $137,375.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.32/hr = $81,515/year (purchasing power: $87,089).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,858/year (purchasing power: $145,148).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Matthews (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Matthews grew 20.4% from $52.89/hr (2019) to $63.68/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.00/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 Matthews 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 Matthews
Working as a part-time air traffic controller in Matthews could lead to an annual take-home amount significantly lower than full-time counterparts. For instance, a controller working 24 hours a week would see earnings that may not offer full benefits typically associated with full-time positions. The per-diem air traffic controller pay in Matthews often fluctuates as many in this profession take on short-term assignments, which can enhance their hourly compensation due to overtime opportunities. Controllers working at FAA facilities—including en route centers and TRACONs—might find that the pay varies. For instance, military controllers or those in contracted towers may experience different pay structures. The trade-off between benefits and higher hourly wages is another consideration, with some controllers accepting lower base pay for comprehensive health benefits. When negotiating, it’s advisable to highlight experience and consider current understaffing at many facilities, which can bolster one's bargaining position in a competitive employment environment.
More salary data for Matthews, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Matthews. 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 Matthews 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