Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Greer, SC: $65.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Greer, SC runs $65.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,026 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Greer's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,617 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Greer, South Carolina, earn a median hourly wage of $65.40, which falls below the national median of $73.02. This rate is particularly significant for those pursuing part-time positions, such as controllers who may work three days a week at en route centers or airport traffic control towers. The range of hourly pay spans from $37.93 for entry-level positions to $93.09 for the highest earners, illustrating diverse opportunities based on experience and skill. Controllers typically manage operations in high-pressure environments, including dimly lit radar rooms or traffic management cells tasked with coordinating national air traffic. The hourly figures provided serve as estimates, derived from annual salary projections and reflecting a professional landscape that demands precision and extensive training.
About the Greer 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) | $37.93 | $303.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.09 | $376.72 |
| Median (P50) | $65.40 | $523.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.62 | $668.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.09 | $744.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Greer
Based on $65.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.40/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Greer, SC can expect to earn approximately $136,029 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,478. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Greer.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Greer
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,615.95 | $11,336 | $136,029 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,569.57 | $6,801 | $81,617 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,046.38 | $4,534 | $54,412 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Greer) | $65.40 |
| 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 Greer, SC earn a median of $136,026 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.44% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.70% below the South Carolina state average of $136,985.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.40/hr = $81,617/year (purchasing power: $89,199).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,029/year (purchasing power: $148,666).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Greer (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Greer grew 20.4% from $52.96/hr (2019) to $63.76/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.08/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 Greer 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 Greer
For air traffic controllers working in Greer, opting for part-time schedules can result in different earning outcomes compared to a full-time commitment. A controller working 24 hours a week would take home significantly less annually than one working full-time, despite the allure of flexible hours. Those in per-diem roles or transitioning between facilities often negotiate compensation that can substantially exceed base pay, especially with overtime rates at 1.5 times the standard for hours beyond 40 weekly. Many controllers at understaffed locations frequently work 50 to 60 hours a week, accumulating thousands in overtime pay that can bolster annual earnings beyond initial estimates. Moreover, compensation can vary greatly depending on employer type, whether at a FAA en route center or a smaller ATCT, influencing job satisfaction and benefits. Controllers must navigate these aspects carefully, weighing the trade-offs between higher hourly pay with fewer benefits versus more stable positions that provide healthcare and retirement options.
More salary data for Greer, 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 Greer. 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 Greer 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