Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Pinehurst, NC: $174,217 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Pinehurst, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $174,217/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Pinehurst's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $186,129 in average-cost America. The 37% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pinehurst, North Carolina, the path to high-level compensation as a senior air traffic controller is clear, with top earners projected to make as much as $174,217 annually in 2026. This figure not only reflects a significant career advancement but also highlights the experience premium that separates the median annual salary of $127,394 from the upper echelon of pay. Achieving this level typically requires extensive expertise, often gained through specialized training and a comprehensive understanding of various air traffic control operations. Controllers who excel in areas such as en route and radar services, or who have successfully transitioned into leadership roles, can significantly boost their earnings beyond the average, making Pinehurst an attractive market for seasoned professionals.
About the Pinehurst Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pinehurst
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Pinehurst earn between $159,410 and $174,217 per year (2026 est.). This $100,112 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Pinehurst median of $127,394 sits 16.13% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Pinehurst | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $127,394 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $159,410 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $174,217 | $221,151 |
In Pinehurst, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 36.75% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Pinehurst
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $127,394 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Pinehurst employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Pinehurst command premium compensation, often reaching the $159,410–$174,217 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Pinehurst metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Pinehurst with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Air Traffic Controllers in North Carolina who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Pinehurst
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPinehurst ranks #41 of 43 North Carolina cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $174,217).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Pinehurst ($174,217) is 16.62% below the North Carolina average P90 ($208,944).
2019 BLS Actual
$138,900
2025 BLS Actual
$169,852
2026 Current Est.
$174,217
2019–2027 Growth
+28.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Pinehurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $138,900 | Actual |
| 2020 | $145,565 | Actual |
| 2021 | $146,518 | Actual |
| 2022 | $149,520 | Actual |
| 2023 | $158,335 | Actual |
| 2024 | $163,646 | Actual |
| 2025 | $169,852 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $174,217 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $178,695 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Pinehurst saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $138,900 in 2019 to $169,852 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $178,695 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pinehurst 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.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Pinehurst
The earning potential for senior air traffic controllers in Pinehurst is influenced by multiple factors, including specialization and the type of employing agency. Those who focus on en route or radar services, for example, often command the highest pay, while positions in terminal radar approach control (TRACON) or tower operations can also offer lucrative salaries. Employment in various agencies such as the FAA’s en route centers or military control offers different compensation structures and benefits, creating diverse income opportunities within NC. Additionally, there are clear paths for advancement—from developmental controller to traffic management coordinator and beyond—each step increasing managerial responsibilities and, consequently, salary potential. Enhanced credentials, such as CPC certification or FAA instructor roles, also elevate earning prospects. Given the established salary ranges and factors like shift differentials and overtime, experienced air traffic controllers in Pinehurst are well-positioned to maximize their compensation while contributing to a vital industry facing ongoing staffing challenges.
More salary data for Pinehurst, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Pinehurst in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Pinehurst?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Pinehurst?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Pinehurst?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Pinehurst?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North 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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $169,852 for air traffic controllers in the Pinehurst metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pinehurst 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