Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Hilton Head Island, SC: $65.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Hilton Head Island, SC runs $65.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,016 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Hilton Head Island's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,605 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Hilton Head Island, SC, earn a median hourly rate of $65.39. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $73.02, presenting a unique fiscal landscape for those looking to enter the field. For part-time controllers working three days a week, this translates to an annual income of approximately $81,900, highlighting the potential for solid earning even with a reduced schedule. Per-diem air traffic controller pay in Hilton Head Island can vary based on the facility type—whether it's an en route center, TRACON, or an airport tower—offering entry-level pay starting at $37.93 and reaching as high as $93.07 for the upper echelon of the profession. The diversity of working environments, from dimly lit radar consoles to open-air traffic control towers, allows controllers to find a setting that suits their preferences while still achieving a commendable income.
About the Hilton Head Island 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) | $47.08 | $376.64 |
| Median (P50) | $65.39 | $523.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.60 | $668.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.07 | $744.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hilton Head Island
Based on $65.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.39/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hilton Head Island, SC can expect to earn approximately $136,008 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,466. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hilton Head Island.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hilton Head Island
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,615.54 | $11,334 | $136,008 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,569.32 | $6,800 | $81,605 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,046.21 | $4,534 | $54,403 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Hilton Head Island) | $65.39 |
| 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 Hilton Head Island, SC earn a median of $136,016 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.45% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.70% below the South Carolina state average of $136,975.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.39/hr = $81,605/year (purchasing power: $89,185).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,008/year (purchasing power: $148,642).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Hilton Head Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Hilton Head Island grew 20.4% from $52.95/hr (2019) to $63.75/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.07/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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island
Looking deeper into the earnings structure, part-time air traffic controllers operating on a 24-hour weekly schedule can expect their annual compensation to reflect significantly different realities compared to those working full-time. With the chronic staffing issues faced by the FAA, many Controllers at understaffed facilities often capitalize on overtime, increasing their effective hourly compensation well beyond the base rate. This can elevate total earnings to levels where controllers see as much as $100,000 in annual overtime pay, particularly for those on the forefront in high-demand roles. As for variable pay by employer type within Hilton Head Island, FAA facilities typically offer different compensation packages than private or contract facilities. While some controllers may choose stability and benefits that come with lower hourly rates, others might accept higher premiums without insurance to maximize take-home pay. Negotiating hourly wages in this environment also centers on skill set and experience, making it crucial for air traffic controllers to understand the current market and organizational needs when discussing their pay.
More salary data for Hilton Head Island, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Hilton Head Island in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Hilton Head Island?
Are air traffic controllers in Hilton Head Island paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Hilton Head Island?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Hilton Head Island?
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 Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island 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