Air Traffic Controller Salary in Concord, NC: $141,089 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Concord, NC earns a median $141,089/year (≈ $67.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Concord's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $150,736 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual compensation for an air traffic controller in Concord, North Carolina is projected to be $141,089, which places it roughly 7.11% below the national median of $151,886. This salary reflects a range from $81,831 on the lower end (P10) to $208,953 at the high end (P90), accommodating the varied experience levels and responsibilities across different facilities. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic factors. Given the certification pathway for air traffic controllers, which typically spans 1 to 3 years before attaining full pay, prospective controllers should consider how developmental controller roles impact initial earnings compared to long-term potential. This specific job market in Concord showcases a competitive atmosphere, particularly for those who can secure positions in higher-paying facilities.
About the Concord Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,831 | $39.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,584 | $48.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $141,089 | $67.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $180,594 | $86.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $208,953 | $100.46 |
Median Salary Position
7.11% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Concord
In Concord, NC, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $127,122 (2026 est.). At $141,089, the local median is 7.11% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Concord: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Concord Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Concord median: $141,089/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Concord Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $137,380 | +2.70% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | -7.11% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Concord, NC earn a median of $141,089 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.11% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.70% above the North Carolina state average of $137,380.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Concord has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Concord, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $141,089 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $150,736 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,247
2025 BLS Actual
$137,554
2026 Current Est.
$141,089
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Concord (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,247 | Actual |
| 2020 | $121,149 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,527 | Actual |
| 2022 | $122,849 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,615 | Actual |
| 2024 | $132,594 | Actual |
| 2025 | $137,554 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $141,089 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,715 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Concord metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $114,247 (2019) to $137,554 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,715 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,468 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Concord 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $81,831 – $101,584 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,584 – $141,089 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $141,089 – $180,594 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $180,594 – $208,953 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Concord
The air traffic controller job market in Concord consists of approximately 24 employed in the area, a strong indicator of demand within the region. The cost of living index stands at 93.6, significantly below the national average, which enhances purchasing power for those in the profession. In terms of compensation, the highest salaries are often associated with the FAA en route facilities, which oversee high-altitude traffic. Factors affecting pay disparity here include the facility's classification level, with en route centers generally offering higher salaries than terminal and tower operations. Moreover, controllers with CPC certification tend to earn significantly more than their developmental peers. Employees can further augment their earnings through shift differentials for night and holiday work, alongside opportunities for overtime, which has remained consistently high due to the chronic staffing shortages in the sector. Maximizing pay in Concord requires an understanding of these dynamics and strategic choices regarding shift preferences and facility applications.
More salary data for Concord, NC:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $137,554 for air traffic controllersin the Concord metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Concord 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