Air Traffic Controller Salary in Apex, NC: $138,372 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Apex, NC earns a median $138,372/year (≈ $66.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Apex's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $147,833 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Apex, North Carolina, the air traffic controller salary is projected to reach a median of $138,372 in 2026, reflecting the city's specific tier within the FAA facility hierarchy. Controllers in this area can expect a salary range from $80,256 at the 10th percentile to $196,017 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant variance based on experience and responsibilities. These local estimates, based on 2025 BLS data, highlight the financial landscape for air traffic controllers as they operate in a market that offers competitive compensation compared to the national median of $151,886, making Apex a viable option for controllers seeking employment in North Carolina.
About the Apex Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,256 | $38.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,942 | $48.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $138,372 | $66.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $175,413 | $84.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $196,017 | $94.24 |
Median Salary Position
8.9% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Apex
In Apex, NC, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $115,761 (2026 est.). At $138,372, the local median is 8.9% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Apex: You'd be above the median
How Apex Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Apex median: $138,372/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Apex Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $137,410 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | -8.90% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Apex, NC earn a median of $138,372 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.90% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.70% above the North Carolina state average of $137,410.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Apex has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Apex, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $138,372 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $147,833 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$112,047
2025 BLS Actual
$134,905
2026 Current Est.
$138,372
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Apex (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,047 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,816 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,206 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,483 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,157 | Actual |
| 2024 | $130,040 | Actual |
| 2025 | $134,905 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138,372 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,928 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Apex metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $112,047 (2019) to $134,905 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,928 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,881 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apex 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $80,256 – $100,942 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,942 – $138,372 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $138,372 – $175,413 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $175,413 – $196,017 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Apex
Given the employment of just 16 air traffic controllers in Apex, the local job market is relatively small yet stable. The cost of living index in the area stands at 93.6, suggesting that the purchasing power for air traffic controllers is favorable, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle compared to many other regions. Among the various employers, FAA en route centers and terminal facilities typically offer the highest pay, driven by factors such as facility level and CPC certification status. Controllers can maximize their earnings by pursuing higher-tier positions, taking advantage of overtime opportunities, and capitalizing on shift differentials. With chronic understaffing in the industry post-sequester, controller candidates may find numerous chances to enhance their compensation while navigating the complexities of the pay scale in Apex, NC.
More salary data for Apex, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $134,905 for air traffic controllersin the Apex metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Apex 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