Air Traffic Controller Salary in Anderson, SC: $135,889 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Anderson, SC earns a median $135,889/year (≈ $65.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Anderson's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $148,513 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller salary in Anderson, SC is projected to reach a median of $135,889. This figure reflects the competitive nature of the profession at both the terminal and en route levels, with salaries ranging from $78,816 at the 10th percentile to $188,348 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, illustrate the robust compensation available for air traffic controllers in this market. However, it's noteworthy that the median salary in Anderson is approximately 10.53% below the national average of $151,886, indicating that while opportunities exist, they may not fully align with the national standards for the profession.
About the Anderson Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,816 | $37.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $97,839 | $47.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $135,889 | $65.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $170,651 | $82.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $188,348 | $90.55 |
Median Salary Position
10.53% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Anderson
In Anderson, SC, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $109,532 (2026 est.). At $135,889, the local median is 10.53% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Anderson: You'd be above the median
How Anderson Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Anderson median: $135,889/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Anderson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $136,985 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -10.53% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Anderson, SC earn a median of $135,889 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.53% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.80% below the South Carolina state average of $136,985.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Anderson has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Anderson, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $135,889 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $148,513 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,037
2025 BLS Actual
$132,484
2026 Current Est.
$135,889
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Anderson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,037 | Actual |
| 2020 | $116,684 | Actual |
| 2021 | $116,085 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,321 | Actual |
| 2023 | $122,911 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,504 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,484 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135,889 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,381 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Anderson metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $110,037 (2019) to $132,484 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,381 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,344 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Anderson 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) | $78,816 – $97,839 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $97,839 – $135,889 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $135,889 – $170,651 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $170,651 – $188,348 |
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 Anderson
Local employment levels show that there are currently five air traffic controllers working in Anderson, SC, making the job market relatively small but focused. The cost of living index stands at 91.5, suggesting that while salaries are lower than the national average, the purchasing power in Anderson may be enhanced by the reduced living expenses. Among the primary employers, FAA en route centers generally provide the highest pay compared to terminal and tower facilities. Pay disparities can also result from factors such as facility type, CPC certification, shift differentials, and the abundance of mandatory overtime. Controllers seeking to maximize their earnings should consider pursuing roles at en route centers, obtaining CPC certification, and being open to overtime opportunities. With the forecasted growth rate of 2.57% over the next five years in the industry, the potential for salary increases exists, particularly for those who position themselves effectively within the market.
More salary data for Anderson, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in South Carolina
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 $132,484 for air traffic controllersin the Anderson 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 Anderson 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