Air Traffic Controller Salary

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.

$193,627
Top 10% Earn
$93.09/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$173,923
75th Percentile
$193,627
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Air Traffic Controller Senior Salary in Greer, SC — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Greer, SC air traffic controller senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for air traffic controllers in Greer. The median salary is $136,026, compared to the national median of $151,886.$71.0K$104.1K$137.2K$170.2K$203.3K$78.9K10th Pctl$97.9K25th Pctl$136.0KMedian$173.9K75th Pctl$193.6K90th PctlUS Median$151.9K

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.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of air traffic controller pay in the Greer metro area.

Top ATC Salary Comparison

LevelGreerNational
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

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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 years
$78,895 – $136,026

Senior/Lead Air Traffic Controller

5-10 years
$136,026 – $173,923

Air Traffic Controller Department Manager

10+ years
$173,923+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Greer 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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for air traffic controllers in Greer. Baseline $154,375 in 2025, projected to $198,603 by 2027.$145.5K$161.0K$176.5K$192.0K$207.4K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$154.4K$161.8K$162.8K$166.2K$176.0K$161.7K$188.8K$193.6K$198.6K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$154,375Actual
2020$161,782Actual
2021$162,842Actual
2022$166,177Actual
2023$175,975Actual
2024$161,654Actual
2025$188,775Actual
2026(current)$193,627Estimated
2027$198,603Projected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Greer metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Greer in 2026?

Top-earning air traffic controllers in Greer (90th percentile) make $193,627/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.57% annual growth). This is $57,601 more than the area median of $136,026 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior air traffic controllers typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Greer?

Higher air traffic controller pay in Greer is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Greer?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for air traffic controllers in Greer include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $136,026, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Greer?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Greer is $193,627, well above $100K. Air Traffic Controllers with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Greer?

In Greer, the gap between entry level ($78,895) and top earners ($193,627) is $114,732, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in South Carolina

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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