Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Goose Creek, SC: $63.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Goose Creek, SC runs $63.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $131,490 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Goose Creek's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,891 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Goose Creek, South Carolina, the projected median hourly rate for an air traffic controller is $63.21 as of 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $73.02, reflecting some regional economic factors and demand fluctuations. For part-time controllers working three days a week, this rate translates into an annual income that still allows for a reasonable standard of living, especially when working within facilities like en route centers or TRACONs with flexible scheduling practices. The estimated hourly pay range in Goose Creek spans from $36.67 for entry-level positions to $89.69 for top earners, allowing for various pathway options into air traffic control, which can include working from radar consoles in control rooms or operating from airport towers with expansive views.
About the Goose Creek 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) | $36.67 | $293.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.52 | $364.16 |
| Median (P50) | $63.21 | $505.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.65 | $645.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.69 | $717.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Goose Creek
Based on $63.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $63.21/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Goose Creek, SC can expect to earn approximately $131,485 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,857. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Goose Creek.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Goose Creek
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,528.56 | $10,957 | $131,485 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,517.13 | $6,574 | $78,891 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,011.42 | $4,383 | $52,594 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Goose Creek) | $63.21 |
| 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 Goose Creek, SC earn a median of $131,490 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.43% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.00% below the South Carolina state average of $136,968.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $63.21/hr = $78,891/year (purchasing power: $86,220).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $131,485/year (purchasing power: $143,699).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$63.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Goose Creek (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Goose Creek grew 20.4% from $51.19/hr (2019) to $61.63/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.84/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 Goose Creek 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 Goose Creek
Analyzing part-time work in this field, an air traffic controller employed on a 24-hour workweek could expect an annual take-home pay that remains competitive yet lower than full-time counterparts. With many positions experiencing chronic understaffing, controllers often take on additional shifts, with overtime pay pushing earnings significantly beyond the base hourly rate — many routinely work 50 to 60 hours a week, which can lead to annual compensations exceeding $100,000. Per diem air traffic controller pay in Goose Creek is also a viable option, particularly during training transfers when compensation can be negotiated. The variance in hourly rates is often tied to the specific facility type; FAA en route centers and terminal facilities may pay more than smaller contract towers but often come with trade-offs like comprehensive health benefits. Understanding these dynamics can significantly impact salary negotiations, especially for those just starting versus seasoned professionals weighing benefits against hourly compensation.
More salary data for Goose Creek, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Goose Creek in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Goose Creek?
Are air traffic controllers in Goose Creek paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Goose Creek?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Goose Creek?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Goose Creek. 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 Goose Creek 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