Air Traffic Controller Salary in Wilson, NC: $131,758 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Wilson, NC earns a median $131,758/year (≈ $63.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Wilson's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $140,767 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected air traffic controller salary in Wilson, North Carolina, for 2026 is $131,758, reflecting the region's local wage dynamics and underlining a compensation landscape that is about 13.25% lower than the national median of $151,886. Salary ranges span significantly, from $76,420 at the 10th percentile to $186,182 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the variability within the air traffic controller role. Wilson's estimated earnings are shaped by local economic factors derived from BLS state-level data and adjustments for regional price parities. Many facilities in the area face chronic understaffing, prompting controllers to work 50-60 hour weeks, which enhances their overall earnings through overtime and extra shifts. This economic reality creates a more favorable income scenario for those who are willing to commit to the demanding schedules often required in this profession.
About the Wilson Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,420 | $36.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $95,923 | $46.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $131,758 | $63.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $168,651 | $81.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $186,182 | $89.51 |
Median Salary Position
13.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilson
In Wilson, NC, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $109,762 (2026 est.). At $131,758, the local median is 13.25% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wilson: You'd be above the median
How Wilson Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Wilson median: $131,758/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wilson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $137,391 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -13.25% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Wilson, NC earn a median of $131,758 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.25% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.10% below the North Carolina state average of $137,391.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wilson 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.
Wilson, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $131,758 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $140,767 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$106,692
2025 BLS Actual
$128,457
2026 Current Est.
$131,758
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Wilson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $106,692 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,137 | Actual |
| 2021 | $112,556 | Actual |
| 2022 | $114,725 | Actual |
| 2023 | $119,175 | Actual |
| 2024 | $123,825 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,457 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $131,758 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $135,145 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wilson metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $106,692 (2019) to $128,457 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $135,145 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,453 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilson 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) | $76,420 – $95,923 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $95,923 – $131,758 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $131,758 – $168,651 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $168,651 – $186,182 |
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 Wilson
While only seven air traffic controllers are employed in Wilson, NC, the cost of living index at 93.6 indicates that wages stretch further than they might in more expensive urban markets. Local air traffic controllers can maximize their pay by strategically seeking positions in high-demand facilities like FAA en route centers or terminal TRACONs, where compensation tends to be higher compared to contract towers or smaller airports. Factors that influence wage differences include the facility level—en route positions generally offer higher pay than tower roles—as well as CPC certification status that impacts base salaries. Controllers in Wilson should also consider the value of shift differentials, which can significantly boost earnings, as well as the abundant overtime opportunities presented by chronic staffing shortages. Making smart career decisions, such as pursuing promotions or additional certification, can enhance future compensation prospects in this competitive and evolving field.
More salary data for Wilson, 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 $128,457 for air traffic controllersin the Wilson 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 Wilson 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