Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in New Bern, NC: $64.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in New Bern, NC runs $64.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,787 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against New Bern's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,875 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In New Bern, North Carolina, the air traffic controller hourly pay is projected to average $64.80 in 2026, which falls significantly below the national median of $73.02 per hour. This disparity illustrates the local market dynamics for air traffic controllers, who typically work in various settings such as en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. For those considering part-time roles, working three days a week at this rate could yield substantial earnings, even if they opt for various per-diem opportunities within their professional environments. The hourly pay range for air traffic controllers in New Bern spans from $37.58 at the entry level to as much as $90.59 for top earners, indicating that while the entry-point compensation must meet basic living costs, there is significant potential for growth as controllers gain experience and advance within their positions.
About the New Bern 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) | $37.58 | $300.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.66 | $373.27 |
| Median (P50) | $64.80 | $518.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.85 | $654.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.59 | $724.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Bern
Based on $64.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.80/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Bern, NC can expect to earn approximately $134,792 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,764. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in New Bern.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Bern
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,592.15 | $11,233 | $134,792 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,555.29 | $6,740 | $80,875 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,036.86 | $4,493 | $53,917 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (New Bern) | $64.80 |
| 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 New Bern, NC earn a median of $134,787 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.26% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.90% below the North Carolina state average of $137,398.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.80/hr = $80,875/year (purchasing power: $86,405).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,792/year (purchasing power: $144,008).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in New Bern (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in New Bern grew 20.4% from $52.48/hr (2019) to $63.18/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.47/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 New Bern 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 New Bern
When examining the financial implications of a part-time schedule for an air traffic controller in New Bern, those working 24 hours per week can expect some interesting annual take-home figures. Unlike full-time counterparts, who may benefit from bankable overtime, part-timers could realize around $80,000 annually, assuming variable shifts while balancing other commitments or secondary careers. For per-diem air traffic controller pay in New Bern, it’s crucial to understand how overtime can dramatically enhance overall income. Many controllers at understaffed facilities find themselves working extended hours—between 50 and 60 each week—leading to compensations that can exceed standard pay rates significantly. Employment at different facilities also influences wage scales; FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and airport traffic control towers in the area each hold unique pay structures. In negotiations, controllers should weigh salary against benefits carefully, as accepting a position with lower hourly rates might provide health insurance that an alternative, higher-paying role without benefits may not offer.
More salary data for New Bern, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in New Bern in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in New Bern?
Are air traffic controllers in New Bern paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in New Bern?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in New Bern?
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 New Bern. 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 New Bern 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