Air Traffic Controller Salary in North Carolina
Based on 610+ workers in North Carolina
Data year: 2025 · Last updated: October 2026
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$45,820
$22.03/hr
vs National Average
$56,947
-19.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$31K – $71K
610 employed in North Carolina
Salary Distribution — Air Traffic Controller in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $30,980 |
| 25th percentile | $35,870 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $45,820 |
| 75th percentile | $59,810 |
| 90th percentile | $70,590 |
Top-Paying Industries for Air Traffic Controller (U.S.)
Which industries pay Air Traffic Controllers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Air Traffic Controllers in North Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $103,820 | — |
| Manufacturing | $88,420 | 150 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $70,590 | 160 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $60,850 | 4K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $49,820 | 10K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Air Traffic Controller in North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $39,840 |
| 2023 | $38,100 |
| 2024 | $36,050 |
| 2025 | $45,820 |
| 2026 (projected) | $48,569 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $39,840 | $53,742 |
| 2023 | $38,100 | $55,720 |
| 2024 | $36,050 | $55,556 |
| 2025 | $45,820 | $56,947 |
| 2026 (projected) | $48,569 | $60,364 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $35,870 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $45,820 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $59,810 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $70,590 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other States
Related Air Traffic Controller Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Air Traffic Controller ($45,820 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Air Traffic Controller | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Pilot in NC | $151,540 | +230.7% | $72.86/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in NC | $75,270 | +64.3% | $36.19/hr |
| Plumber in NC | $57,080 | +24.6% | $27.44/hr |
| Electrician in NC | $56,800 | +24.0% | $27.31/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in NC | $48,200 | +5.2% | $23.17/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in NC | $47,910 | +4.6% | $23.03/hr |
| Construction Laborer in NC | $44,720 | -2.4% | $21.50/hr |
| Administrative Assistant in NC | $45,790 | -0.1% | $22.01/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in NC | $45,890 | +0.2% | $22.06/hr |
| Medical Assistant in NC | $45,140 | -1.5% | $21.70/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in NC | $46,700 | +1.9% | $22.45/hr |
| Pharmacy Technician in NC | $44,530 | -2.8% | $21.41/hr |