Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Burlington, NC: $78,103 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Burlington, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,103 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,443 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($134,660) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those looking to start their careers as air traffic controllers in Burlington, North Carolina, projected starting pay will align at approximately $78,103 in 2026. This entry-level salary can feel modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $134,660, creating a noticeable gap that new grads will need to consider. However, early-career professionals can expect significant salary growth within just a few years. Moving through the first few tiers from $78,103 to $96,955 provides a clear path for advancement, ultimately leading toward the median annual salary as experience and expertise increase. With the annual growth rate projected at 2.57%, Burlington presents a viable job market for fresh graduates eager to join the air traffic control field.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burlington
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Burlington, NC typically start between $78,103 and $96,955 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $123,687 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $134,660 — 11.34% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in North Carolina of $32,000 represents just 40.97% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($78,103/year) in Burlington. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Burlington
- 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $78,103 to $96,955, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in NC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burlington, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burlington's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Burlington is $123,687 ( 158.36%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,103, experienced hygienists can earn up to $201,790.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$66,349
2025 BLS Actual
$76,146
2026 Current Est.
$78,103
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,349 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,650 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,796 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,456 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,981 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,400 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,146 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,103 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,110 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, NC grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $66,349 in 2019 to $76,146 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,110. New graduates entering the Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Starting Your aviation Career in Burlington
In Burlington, multiple employers are actively seeking entry-level air traffic controllers, particularly the FAA, which recruits through specific pathways such as the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) with select universities and "off-the-street" hiring for candidates under age 31, except military veterans. For those entering the profession, strong credentials are vital; being a U.S. citizen and passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) are essential first steps. The initial training at the FAA Academy spans 3-5 months, followed by potential facility-specific training lasting 1-3 years. Although starting pay may seem lower in comparison to major en route centers like ZNY and ZLA, controllers in Burlington can still expect progressive salary increases within their first 1-3 years, allowing for a steadier climb towards more lucrative positions once they gain review as full Certified Professional Controllers (CPCs) in the FG pay scale, distinct from the GS scale. Given the historical challenges of understaffing, many facilities offer overtime opportunities that can enhance earnings significantly.
More salary data for Burlington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Burlington in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Burlington?
Is aviation school worth it in Burlington?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Burlington?
How do I become a air traffic controller in North Carolina?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in North 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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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