Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fuquay-Varina, NC: $135,086 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Fuquay-Varina, NC earns a median $135,086/year (≈ $64.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Fuquay-Varina's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $144,323 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller salary in Fuquay-Varina is projected to reach a median of $135,086, which reflects the financial dynamics tied to overtime and understaffing. With the salary range spanning from $78,350 at the lower end to as much as $184,657 for top earners, those in this profession can effectively increase their compensation through additional hours worked, often exceeding 50 or even 60 hours weekly. These figures derive from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026 and adjusted for local cost considerations, revealing a competitive but strained labor market. The air traffic controller pay Fuquay-Varina NC can be influenced by the unique market conditions present in the area, where the demand for skilled professionals often leads to higher earnings than initially indicated by the stated salary.
About the Fuquay-Varina Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,350 | $37.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,452 | $47.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $135,086 | $64.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $168,071 | $80.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $184,657 | $88.77 |
Median Salary Position
11.06% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fuquay-Varina
In Fuquay-Varina, NC, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $106,307 (2026 est.). At $135,086, the local median is 11.06% below the national median of $151,886.
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How Fuquay-Varina Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Fuquay-Varina median: $135,086/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fuquay-Varina Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $137,422 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -11.06% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Fuquay-Varina, NC earn a median of $135,086 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.06% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.70% below the North Carolina state average of $137,422.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fuquay-Varina 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.
Fuquay-Varina, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $135,086 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $144,323 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,386
2025 BLS Actual
$131,701
2026 Current Est.
$135,086
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Fuquay-Varina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,386 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,994 | Actual |
| 2021 | $115,398 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,622 | Actual |
| 2023 | $122,185 | Actual |
| 2024 | $126,952 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,701 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135,086 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,557 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fuquay-Varina metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $109,386 (2019) to $131,701 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,557 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,171 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fuquay-Varina 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) | $78,350 – $99,452 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,452 – $135,086 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $135,086 – $168,071 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $168,071 – $184,657 |
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 Fuquay-Varina
The local job market for air traffic controllers is relatively small, with only five employed in Fuquay-Varina, which could lead to varied compensation based on facility type. With a cost of living index of 93.6, controllers may find their purchasing power enhanced despite lower relative salaries than their national counterparts. Top-paying employers typically include FAA en route centers which offer a broader traffic management scope, contrasting with FAA terminal radar approach controls and airport towers, which may provide lower pay scales. The significant compensation spread here is subject to shifts in overtime availability, certified pay status, and locality pay. To optimize earnings, controllers should consider gaining CPC certification, seeking positions at higher-level facilities, working varied shifts to capitalize on differentials, and embracing overtime as a standard practice in the face of staffing shortages. Understanding these local market strategies can make a substantial difference in take-home pay and long-term career satisfaction in Fuquay-Varina.
More salary data for Fuquay-Varina, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $131,701 for air traffic controllersin the Fuquay-Varina 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 Fuquay-Varina 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