Charleston vs Lexington: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Charleston, SC and Lexington, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Lexington, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $141,305▲ | $129,338 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.93▲ | $62.18 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,957▲ | $75,016 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,739▲ | $93,123 |
| 75th Percentile | $180,870▲ | $159,892 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $210,816▲ | $173,724 |
| Total Employed | 25▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Charleston and Lexington is $11,967 (9.25%). Charleston's median is -6.97% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $128,859,Lexington spans $98,708. Charleston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Charleston ($154,432 effective) pays 9.25% more than Lexington ($141,353 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,305/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($210,816)
- ✓Larger job market (25 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,432)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Charleston grew 24.0% from 2023 to 2025, compared to 16.7% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$111,070 (2023) → $137,764 (2025)
Lexington, SC
$108,033 (2024) → $126,097 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Lexington, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Charleston or Lexington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Lexington?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Lexington as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Charleston vs Lexington?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov