Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in North Charleston, SC: $67.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in North Charleston, SC runs $67.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $141,249 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against North Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $74.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,754 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in North Charleston, South Carolina, earn a median hourly rate of $67.91, which is slightly below the national median of $73.02. This rate reflects the diverse roles these professionals fill in environments ranging from en route center radar consoles to bustling airport towers. For those considering part-time positions, working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can still yield a substantial income, particularly for controllers adept at managing their schedules. The salary range in North Charleston varies significantly as well, with entry-level positions starting at $39.39 per hour, proceeding to skilled controllers earning as much as $98.73. These figures represent projected earnings for 2026, estimated from annual salary data, illustrating the potential for lucrative and flexible careers in air traffic control.
About the North Charleston 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) | $39.39 | $315.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.41 | $395.26 |
| Median (P50) | $67.91 | $543.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.92 | $695.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.73 | $789.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Charleston
Based on $67.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.91/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Charleston, SC can expect to earn approximately $141,256 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,494. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,716.46 | $11,771 | $141,256 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,629.88 | $7,063 | $84,754 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,086.59 | $4,709 | $56,502 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (North Charleston) | $67.91 |
| 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 North Charleston, SC earn a median of $141,249 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.00% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.20% above the South Carolina state average of $136,869.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.91/hr = $84,754/year (purchasing power: $92,627).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $141,256/year (purchasing power: $154,378).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in North Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in North Charleston grew 20.4% from $54.99/hr (2019) to $66.21/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.66/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 North Charleston 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 North Charleston
For part-time air traffic controllers in North Charleston, the annual income reflects a robust earning potential even on reduced hours. With a typical schedule of 24 hours a week, these professionals can still expect to take home earnings surpassing many full-time jobs in other sectors. The reality for some might also include working as per-diem controllers, where shifts are filled on an as-needed basis, allowing for negotiation of competitive rates, particularly during facility transition training. In this specific sector, overtime can markedly boost income, with controllers often clocking in 50 to 60 hours a week. Overtime at 1.5 times the hourly rate can considerably enhance overall earnings, making effective compensation much higher than the base amount. Furthermore, rates can differ based on the employer type—from FAA en route centers to smaller contract towers, each carries its distinct pay scale and benefits package, making negotiation an essential skill. Controllers may choose to accept lower hourly wages for comprehensive health benefits or pursue higher pay rates that come without additional perks, depending on personal needs and life circumstances. Understanding these dynamics in North Charleston’s job market can lead to more informed career decisions.
More salary data for North Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in North Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in North Charleston?
Are air traffic controllers in North Charleston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in North Charleston?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in North Charleston?
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 North Charleston. 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 North Charleston 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