Air Traffic Controller Salary in South Carolina
Based on 90+ workers in South Carolina
Data year: 2025 · Last updated: October 2026
Median Annual Salary (SC)
$33,590
$16.15/hr
vs National Average
$56,947
-41.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$19K – $71K
90 employed in South Carolina
Salary Distribution — Air Traffic Controller in South Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $18,730 |
| 25th percentile | $21,510 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $33,590 |
| 75th percentile | $50,830 |
| 90th percentile | $71,220 |
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 South 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 South Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,240 |
| 2024 | $33,490 |
| 2025 | $33,590 |
| 2026 (projected) | $33,690 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | South Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,240 | $53,742 |
| 2024 | $33,490 | $55,556 |
| 2025 | $33,590 | $56,947 |
| 2026 (projected) | $33,690 | $57,117 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $21,510 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $33,590 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $50,830 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $71,220 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other States
Related Air Traffic Controller Salaries in South Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in South Carolina compare to Air Traffic Controller ($33,590 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Air Traffic Controller | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Pilot in SC | $143,580 | +327.4% | $69.03/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in SC | $75,350 | +124.3% | $36.23/hr |
| Electrician in SC | $58,740 | +74.9% | $28.24/hr |
| Plumber in SC | $53,940 | +60.6% | $25.93/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in SC | $48,100 | +43.2% | $23.13/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in SC | $47,880 | +42.5% | $23.02/hr |
| Construction Laborer in SC | $42,940 | +27.8% | $20.64/hr |
| Security Guard in SC | $35,460 | +5.6% | $17.05/hr |
| Receptionist in SC | $35,510 | +5.7% | $17.07/hr |
| Restaurant Cook in SC | $35,740 | +6.4% | $17.18/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in SC | $35,990 | +7.1% | $17.30/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in SC | $36,020 | +7.2% | $17.32/hr |