Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Leland, NC: $61.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Leland, NC runs $61.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,631 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Leland's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,574 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Leland, North Carolina, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $61.36, which is significantly lower than the national median of $73.02. This rate is relevant for controllers working part-time or on a per-diem basis, particularly in various settings like en-route centers or airport traffic control towers. Those working three days a week could expect to make around $49,900 annually, while per-diem air traffic controller pay in Leland allows for flexibility and potential negotiation, especially in environments with high demand. The hourly earnings for entry-level positions begin at approximately $36.16, while top earners in the field can see pay rates reach up to $84.13 per hour, highlighting the potential for significant income variation based on experience and facility type.
About the Leland Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.16 | $289.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.35 | $362.77 |
| Median (P50) | $61.36 | $490.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.22 | $625.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.13 | $673.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Leland
Based on $61.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.36/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Leland, NC can expect to earn approximately $127,623 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,629. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Leland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Leland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,454.29 | $10,635 | $127,623 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,472.58 | $6,381 | $76,574 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $981.72 | $4,254 | $51,049 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Leland) | $61.36 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Leland, NC earn a median of $127,631 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.97% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 7.10% below the North Carolina state average of $137,385.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.36/hr = $76,574/year (purchasing power: $81,810).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,623/year (purchasing power: $136,350).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Leland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Leland grew 20.4% from $49.68/hr (2019) to $59.82/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.93/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leland 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Leland
For part-time air traffic controllers in Leland, taking home pay for a typical 24-hour week can differ greatly from that of their full-time counterparts. Controllers may find themselves working significantly more hours, often clocking 50-60 hours weekly, leading to effective hourly compensation that exceeds base rates due to overtime pay, which is calculated at 1.5 times their typical rate. This can translate to additional earnings of $50,000-$100,000 or more in a year, depending on the individual's work situation and facility staffing levels. Varieties in employer types also contribute to the overall compensation dynamics, with FAA en-route centers and TRACON positions often offering distinct benefits compared to military or contract towers. The choice between a slightly lower hourly rate at a stable government job versus higher, but potentially less reliable, contract work impacts many controllers' decisions, especially since federal employment provides comprehensive health insurance. For those considering opportunities in Leland, negotiating for favorable terms specific to their situation may require a nuanced understanding of these factors.
More salary data for Leland, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Leland in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Leland?
Are air traffic controllers in Leland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Leland?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Leland?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Leland. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Leland 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