Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Bluffton, SC: $62.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Bluffton, SC runs $62.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,300 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Bluffton's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $68.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,174 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bluffton, South Carolina, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $62.64, reflecting the unique regional economic dynamics as it falls 14.21% below the national median of $73.02. This hourly rate allows for diverse scheduling options, making it suitable for those seeking part-time work at key facilities like en route centers, TRACONs, and airport control towers. For individuals working three days a week, the potential for a manageable work-life balance while still earning a significant paycheck is appealing. The hourly range extends from $36.33 for entry-level positions to $89.85 for top earners, indicating that those stationed in Bluffton can negotiate their pay according to experience and skill level, further influenced by the estimated annual salary data.
About the Bluffton 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) | $36.33 | $290.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.10 | $360.80 |
| Median (P50) | $62.64 | $501.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.19 | $641.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.85 | $718.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bluffton
Based on $62.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.64/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bluffton, SC can expect to earn approximately $130,290 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,167. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bluffton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bluffton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,505.58 | $10,858 | $130,290 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,503.35 | $6,515 | $78,174 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,002.23 | $4,343 | $52,116 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Bluffton) | $62.64 |
| 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 Bluffton, SC earn a median of $130,300 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.21% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.80% below the South Carolina state average of $136,870.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.64/hr = $78,174/year (purchasing power: $85,436).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,290/year (purchasing power: $142,394).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$50.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Bluffton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Bluffton grew 20.4% from $50.72/hr (2019) to $61.07/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.25/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 Bluffton 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 Bluffton
Exploring the financial realities for part-time air traffic controllers reveals significant differences in income compared to their full-time counterparts. A 24-hour work week translates to an annual income that can be quite respectable, though not compared to full-time roles where controllers often work 50-60 hours weekly, raking in substantial overtime, with some reporting annual earnings enhanced by $50,000 to $100,000 in extra hours. Per diem air traffic controller pay in Bluffton can vary based on the facility type, whether FAA-operated or contract towers, with dramatically different earning potentials. Some controllers opt for positions with lower hourly rates that provide solid benefits packages, a strategic decision in an industry where employee retention is crucial due to mandates like the age 56 retirement rule. Negotiation remains key; understanding facility types and the specific trade-offs in hourly pay and benefits can empower controllers at all levels to secure the most favorable working conditions.
More salary data for Bluffton, SC:
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 Bluffton. 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 Bluffton 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