Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Winston-Salem, NC: $68.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Winston-Salem, NC runs $68.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $142,445 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Winston-Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $73.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,471 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Winston-Salem, NC, the projected median hourly pay for air traffic controllers in 2026 is $68.49, which falls short of the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This figure signifies a competitive wage for professionals who often oversee air traffic from various facilities such as en route center radar consoles, TRACON radar facilities, and airport traffic control towers. For part-time air traffic controllers working three days a week, or those engaged in per-diem work, this hourly rate could yield substantial weekly earnings, reflecting the importance of flexibility in schedules. Entry-level controllers can expect to earn around $39.73 per hour, while top earners in the region can reach rates of $102.95 per hour, illustrating the significant variation in pay levels across this demanding profession.
About the Winston-Salem 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) | $39.73 | $317.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.31 | $394.44 |
| Median (P50) | $68.49 | $547.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.66 | $701.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.95 | $823.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Winston-Salem
Based on $68.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.49/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Winston-Salem, NC can expect to earn approximately $142,451 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,183. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Winston-Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Winston-Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,739.44 | $11,871 | $142,451 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,643.66 | $7,123 | $85,471 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,095.78 | $4,748 | $56,980 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Winston-Salem) | $68.49 |
| 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 Winston-Salem, NC earn a median of $142,445 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.22% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.60% above the North Carolina state average of $137,495.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.49/hr = $85,471/year (purchasing power: $91,315).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $142,451/year (purchasing power: $152,191).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Winston-Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Winston-Salem grew 20.4% from $55.46/hr (2019) to $66.77/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.25/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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem
Part-time air traffic controllers working 24 hours a week may take home a notable annual income, but it would be less than their full-time counterparts. Overtime is a significant factor influencing earnings, as many controllers operate on understaffed teams, often averaging 50-60 hours weekly, which can substantially increase their effective hourly compensation above the base. The demand for flexibility, particularly in per-diem positions requiring facility transfer training, presents a chance for higher earnings but also involves negotiations, especially regarding pay rates without traditional benefits. Variability in hourly rates exists across different employer types, such as FAA ARTCCs, TRACONs, and contract towers, each presenting unique compensation structures. Given the competitive nature of the air traffic control job market in Winston-Salem, understanding the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits is vital for professionals considering their opportunities in this field.
More salary data for Winston-Salem, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Winston-Salem in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Winston-Salem?
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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 Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem 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