Air Traffic Controller Salary in Greensboro, NC: $141,493 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Greensboro, NC earns a median $141,493/year (≈ $68.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Greensboro's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $151,168 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, an air traffic controller salary in Greensboro, North Carolina, reaches a median of $141,493 annually. This compensation reflects the complexity of the role and the demanding work hours that often exceed the standard 40-hour week, due to ongoing staffing shortages. The salary range for controllers in the area spans from $82,066 at the lower end to $219,314 for those at the high end, illustrating the diversity in earnings based on experience and facility type. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price fluctuations. The local job market for air traffic controllers is competitive, given the robust infrastructure in Greensboro and the consistent demand for air traffic services.
About the Greensboro Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,066 | $39.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,876 | $48.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $141,493 | $68.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $181,111 | $87.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $219,314 | $105.44 |
Median Salary Position
6.84% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Greensboro
In Greensboro, NC, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $137,248 (2026 est.). At $141,493, the local median is 6.84% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Greensboro: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Greensboro Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Greensboro median: $141,493/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Greensboro Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $137,506 | +2.90% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | -6.84% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Greensboro, NC earn a median of $141,493 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.84% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.90% above the North Carolina state average of $137,506.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Greensboro 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.
Greensboro, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $141,493 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $151,168 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$114,575
2025 BLS Actual
$137,948
2026 Current Est.
$141,493
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Greensboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $114,575 | Actual |
| 2020 | $121,496 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,872 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,201 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,980 | Actual |
| 2024 | $132,974 | Actual |
| 2025 | $137,948 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $141,493 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145,130 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Greensboro metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $114,575 (2019) to $137,948 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $145,130 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,555 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Greensboro 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) | $82,066 – $101,876 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,876 – $141,493 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $141,493 – $181,111 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $181,111 – $219,314 |
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 Greensboro
With 71 controllers currently employed in Greensboro, local air traffic controller pay can vary significantly based on the facility and roles within the FAA structure. The cost of living index stands at 93.6, indicating a lower-than-average living expense that enhances the purchasing power of salaries in this region. Highest paid positions are typically found in FAA en route centers, while terminal facilities and airport towers offer varying scales of compensation. Factors influencing salary differences include the facility level, CPC certification status, and shift differentials. Controllers can maximize their earnings by seeking positions at en route facilities, opting for overtime shifts, or acquiring differentials for weekend and night work. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for professionals aiming to enhance their earning potential in Greensboro, NC.
More salary data for Greensboro, 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 $137,948 for air traffic controllersin the Greensboro 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 Greensboro 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