Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Anderson, SC: $65.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Anderson, SC runs $65.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,889 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Anderson's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,528 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Anderson, South Carolina, the hourly compensation for an air traffic controller is projected to reach $65.33 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $73.02, reflecting a localized economic dynamic. For those operating in part-time capacities—such as working three days a week—this competitive rate can significantly influence their overall financial health. With controllers typically positioned at en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities, or within airport control towers, these hourly figures extrapolate to varying earnings; entry-level professionals can expect about $37.89, while established controllers might earn upwards of $90.55, depending on experience and responsibility level. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, capture the diverse working environments and operational pressures that characterize this profession in Anderson.
About the Anderson Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($125,000) 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) | $47.04 | $376.31 |
| Median (P50) | $65.33 | $522.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.05 | $656.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.55 | $724.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Anderson
Based on $65.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.33/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Anderson, SC can expect to earn approximately $135,880 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,392. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Anderson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Anderson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,613.07 | $11,323 | $135,880 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,567.84 | $6,794 | $81,528 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,045.23 | $4,529 | $54,352 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Anderson) | $65.33 |
| 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 Anderson, SC earn a median of $135,889 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.53% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.80% below the South Carolina state average of $136,985.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.33/hr = $81,528/year (purchasing power: $89,102).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,880/year (purchasing power: $148,503).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Anderson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Anderson grew 20.4% from $52.90/hr (2019) to $63.69/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.01/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 Anderson 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 Anderson
There’s an intriguing aspect to the air traffic controller hourly pay dynamics in Anderson when considering part-time work and per diem options. For someone working 24 hours a week as a part-time controller at the median rate, annual earnings would hover around $81,856, significantly less than those opting for full-time hours. Additionally, controllers often face the reality of overtime, with many positions requiring 50-60 hours per week, which sees compensation jump due to the 1.5x pay for extra hours. Many controllers are making upwards of $50k to $100k annually from overtime alone, amplifying their effective hourly pay far beyond base figures. Different employment types cause variance in earning potential; FAA en route centers and TRACON facilities offer structured salaries, while smaller ATCT and contract towers sometimes provide lower pay but can feature more flexibility. Some controllers may choose lower hourly pay in exchange for comprehensive benefits, making negotiation skills vital in this market. For air traffic controllers in Anderson, understanding these complexities is essential for maximizing income potential within the evolving landscape of air traffic control jobs.
More salary data for Anderson, SC:
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 Anderson. 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 Anderson 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