Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Tega Cay, SC: $60.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Tega Cay, SC runs $60.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,331 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Tega Cay's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,793 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tega Cay, South Carolina, the median hourly pay for air traffic controllers is projected to be $60.73 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $73.02. This rate can provide a decent living, especially for those opting for part-time work, such as a 3-day workweek, which would yield around $43,000 annually based on typical hour allotments. Candidates working at various facilities, including en route center radar consoles and airport traffic control towers, will find a wide salary range, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $35.22 and more seasoned professionals potentially earning up to $82.39 per hour. The figures available are projected based on annual data, giving a helpful framework for understanding the expected earnings for air traffic controllers in this locality.
About the Tega Cay 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) | $35.22 | $281.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.40 | $355.22 |
| Median (P50) | $60.73 | $485.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.73 | $605.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.39 | $659.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tega Cay
Based on $60.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.73/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tega Cay, SC can expect to earn approximately $126,322 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,878. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tega Cay.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tega Cay
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,429.27 | $10,527 | $126,322 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,457.56 | $6,316 | $75,793 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $971.71 | $4,211 | $50,529 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Tega Cay) | $60.73 |
| 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 Tega Cay, SC earn a median of $126,331 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.83% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 7.70% below the South Carolina state average of $136,870.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.73/hr = $75,793/year (purchasing power: $82,834).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,322/year (purchasing power: $138,057).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Tega Cay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Tega Cay grew 20.4% from $49.18/hr (2019) to $59.21/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.29/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 Tega Cay 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 Tega Cay
Considering part-time opportunities in Tega Cay gives insight into the financial potential for those working as air traffic controllers. A 24-hour workweek might yield around $1,000 to $1,400 take-home pay depending on shifts and specific roles. Furthermore, per-diem arrangements can add substantial earnings, allowing controllers to negotiate rates during facility transfer training and positioning themselves favorably in an era marked by overtime opportunities. Overtime can dramatically enhance earnings, with some working 50-60 hours per week, earning overtime pay that increases their total compensation significantly. The type of employer—be it FAA en route centers, TRACONs, or airport traffic control towers—also dictates pay scales and benefits. While higher hourly rates might attract some, others may prefer stable pay with benefits, as the FAA's responsible-fee structure provides a safety net amidst the demands of the profession. Effective negotiation strategies for hourly workers, especially within Tega Cay's market, become crucial for maximizing earnings while balancing work-life considerations.
More salary data for Tega Cay, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Tega Cay in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Tega Cay?
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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 Tega Cay. 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 Tega Cay 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