Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Columbia, SC: $67.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Columbia, SC runs $67.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,508 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $73.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,306 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Columbia, South Carolina, can expect a median hourly pay of $67.55, which lags behind the national average of $73.02. This figure reflects the variety of settings such controllers operate in, from en route centers with radar consoles in windowless control rooms to TRACON facilities adjacent to major airports and airport traffic control towers with expansive views. For part-time workers, those clocking in three days a week can anticipate working 24 hours total, providing an alternative route to flexible employment. The hourly range for this profession in Columbia spans from $39.18 for entry-level controllers to $97.30 for top earners, with variations influenced by individual experience and specific facility needs.
About the Columbia 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) | $39.18 | $313.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.64 | $389.11 |
| Median (P50) | $67.55 | $540.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.47 | $691.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.30 | $778.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $67.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.55/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, SC can expect to earn approximately $140,509 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,063. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,702.10 | $11,709 | $140,509 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,621.26 | $7,025 | $84,306 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,080.84 | $4,684 | $56,204 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Columbia) | $67.55 |
| 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 Columbia, SC earn a median of $140,508 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.49% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.60% above the South Carolina state average of $136,947.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.55/hr = $84,306/year (purchasing power: $92,137).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,509/year (purchasing power: $153,562).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Columbia grew 20.4% from $54.70/hr (2019) to $65.86/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.29/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
Exploring the financial landscape reveals the intriguing dynamics of part-time and per diem work in air traffic control. A part-time air traffic controller, working three days a week, would earn significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts, though the variation in scheduled hours allows for a balanced lifestyle. Those in per diem roles, especially in understaffed facilities, may experience their effective hourly compensation significantly boosted through overtime – often clocking in 50-60 hours weekly and earning an additional $50,000 to $100,000 yearly in overtime pay. Employment settings within Columbia can also impact hourly rates, as positions in FAA en route centers generally offer higher compensation compared to smaller airport control towers staffed by contractors. Additionally, controllers sometimes choose roles with lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive benefits. For newcomers or those negotiating their hourly rate, emphasizing experience, flexibility, and willingness to work less desirable hours may offer a competitive edge within the Columbia SC market.
More salary data for Columbia, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in South Carolina
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 Columbia. 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 Columbia 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