Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Greer, SC: $193,627 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Greer, SC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $193,627/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Greer's price premium (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $211,614 in average-cost America. The 42% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Senior air traffic controllers in Greer, South Carolina, are positioned to earn an impressive median annual salary of $136,026 in 2026, with the potential to reach as high as $193,627 at the 90th percentile. This top-tier compensation is indicative of the growing demand for experienced professionals in the field, as controllers at this level are expected to possess extensive expertise and specialized skills. The significant gap between the median salary and the upper echelons of pay reflects the experience premium associated with advanced roles in air traffic control. Achieving the highest salaries in the Greer market often involves a combination of certifications, tenure, and a track record of leadership in high-stakes environments, which positions these professionals favorably within the FAA's pay structure compared to their counterparts nationwide.
About the Greer Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Greer
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Greer earn between $173,923 and $193,627 per year (2026 est.). This $114,732 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Greer median of $136,026 sits 10.44% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Greer | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $136,026 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $173,923 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $193,627 | $221,151 |
In Greer, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 42.35% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Greer
Advanced Certifications in South Carolina
SC air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $136,026 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Greer employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Greer command premium compensation, often reaching the $173,923–$193,627 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Greer 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 Greer 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 South 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 Greer
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGreer ranks #8 of 26 South Carolina cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $193,627).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Greer ($193,627) is 0.41% below the South Carolina average P90 ($194,425).
2019 BLS Actual
$154,375
2025 BLS Actual
$188,775
2026 Current Est.
$193,627
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Greer (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $154,375 | Actual |
| 2020 | $161,782 | Actual |
| 2021 | $162,842 | Actual |
| 2022 | $166,177 | Actual |
| 2023 | $175,975 | Actual |
| 2024 | $161,654 | Actual |
| 2025 | $188,775 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $193,627 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $198,603 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Greer saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $154,375 in 2019 to $188,775 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 $198,603 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Greer 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 Greer
Those seeking to maximize their senior air traffic controller pay in SC can benefit from pursuing specializations that command higher salaries, such as en route and radar control, which are among the most lucrative roles in Greer. Employment in FAA en route centers or terminal radar approach controls can yield notable pay differences, given the complexity and volume of traffic managed at these facilities. Additionally, career advancement paths are crucial; controllers typically progress from developmental roles to certified professional controllers and may eventually ascend to supervisory positions or specialized training roles at the FAA Academy. Obtaining advanced credentials—like completing the Initial Qualification Training and excelling in ongoing training—is essential for maximizing earnings. Other compensation drivers include shift differentials, locality pay, and abundant overtime opportunities, especially relevant in the current context of chronic understaffing within the FAA. As Greer positions itself as an economic hub, understanding these factors is essential for controllers aiming for the pinnacle of their profession.
More salary data for Greer, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Greer in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Greer?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Greer?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Greer?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Greer?
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
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 $188,775 for air traffic controllers in the Greer 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 Greer 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