Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $214,126 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Winston-Salem, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $214,126/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Winston-Salem's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $228,767 in average-cost America. The 50% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Compensation for experienced air traffic controllers in Winston-Salem is quite favorable, with the median annual salary projected at $142,445 for 2026. The upper tier of this profession sees salaries reaching $214,126, establishing a clear distinction between the average salary and top earners in the field. This sizeable gap emphasizes the experience premium associated with advanced roles, where seasoned professionals can command significantly higher wages, particularly in specialized functions. To achieve these top-tier pay levels, controllers often engage in extensive career development, acquiring certifications and building expertise across various areas of air traffic control, all while navigating the demanding landscape of federal employment with the FAA.
About the Winston-Salem Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winston-Salem
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Winston-Salem earn between $182,329 and $214,126 per year (2026 est.). This $131,508 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Winston-Salem median of $142,445 sits 6.22% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Winston-Salem | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $142,445 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $182,329 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $214,126 | $221,151 |
In Winston-Salem, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 50.32% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Winston-Salem
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $142,445 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Winston-Salem employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Winston-Salem command premium compensation, often reaching the $182,329–$214,126 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWinston-Salem ranks #6 of 43 North Carolina cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $214,126).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Winston-Salem ($214,126) is 2.48% above the North Carolina average P90 ($208,944).
2019 BLS Actual
$170,719
2025 BLS Actual
$208,761
2026 Current Est.
$214,126
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Winston-Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $170,719 | Actual |
| 2020 | $178,910 | Actual |
| 2021 | $180,082 | Actual |
| 2022 | $183,771 | Actual |
| 2023 | $194,605 | Actual |
| 2024 | $201,132 | Actual |
| 2025 | $208,761 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $214,126 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $219,629 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Winston-Salem saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $170,719 in 2019 to $208,761 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 $219,629 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem
Specialization plays a critical role in determining salary levels among senior air traffic controllers in Winston-Salem, with positions such as traffic management coordinator or military ATC providing substantial pay incentives. Compensation varies depending on the employer, with the FAA's en route centers typically offering the highest pay for certified professionals. Developmental controllers advance through clear pathways, moving up to traffic management coordinator, operations supervisor, and, ultimately, ATC manager roles. Moreover, attaining advanced qualifications can further enhance salary prospects in NC, with factors such as locality pay and shift differentials becoming essential in this landscape of chronic understaffing. With the unique dynamics of the ATC workforce, opportunities abound for those who are prepared to excel and adapt within this evolving profession.
More salary data for Winston-Salem, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Winston-Salem in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Winston-Salem?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Winston-Salem?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Winston-Salem?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Winston-Salem?
Related Pages
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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 $208,761 for air traffic controllers in the Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem 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