Air Traffic Controller Salary in Cornelius, NC: $135,629 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Cornelius, NC earns a median $135,629/year (≈ $65.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Cornelius's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $144,903 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those working as air traffic controllers in Cornelius, North Carolina, can expect a median annual salary of $135,629. This compensation is indicative of the localized economic conditions and reflects a salary range from $79,373 at the 10th percentile to a top-tier earning potential of $186,473 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and incorporate regional cost adjustments. While this salary is lower than the national median of $151,886, Cornelius offers unique benefits, including a relatively low cost-of-living index of 93.6, which can enhance overall take-home purchasing power for controllers in the region.
About the Cornelius Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,373 | $38.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,526 | $48.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $135,629 | $65.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $169,402 | $81.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $186,473 | $89.65 |
Median Salary Position
10.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cornelius
In Cornelius, NC, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $107,100 (2026 est.). At $135,629, the local median is 10.7% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cornelius: You'd be above the median
How Cornelius Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Cornelius median: $135,629/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cornelius Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $137,416 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -10.70% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Cornelius, NC earn a median of $135,629 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.70% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.30% below the North Carolina state average of $137,416.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cornelius 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.
Cornelius, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $135,629 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $144,903 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,826
2025 BLS Actual
$132,231
2026 Current Est.
$135,629
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Cornelius (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,826 | Actual |
| 2020 | $116,461 | Actual |
| 2021 | $115,863 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,095 | Actual |
| 2023 | $122,676 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,463 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,231 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135,629 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,115 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cornelius metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $109,826 (2019) to $132,231 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,115 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,289 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cornelius 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) | $79,373 – $100,526 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,526 – $135,629 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $135,629 – $169,402 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $169,402 – $186,473 |
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 Cornelius
The job market for air traffic controllers in Cornelius appears stable, with seven positions currently filled in this area. The relatively low cost of living does provide controllers with an advantage when managing their expenses, as the purchasing power for their salaries is somewhat enhanced. Among the various employers, FAA en route centers typically offer the highest pay due to the complexity and demands of managing high-altitude traffic, compared to terminal radar approach control and airport traffic control towers. The significant spread in compensation levels can largely be attributed to the facility tiers, where en route Level 12 positions command higher pay compared to terminal or tower roles. Overtime opportunities and shift differentials also contribute to income, providing avenues for controllers to maximize their earnings. For those looking to boost their pay, pursuing CPC certification and seeking assignments at higher tier facilities can be effective strategies in Cornelius's job market.
More salary data for Cornelius, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $132,231 for air traffic controllersin the Cornelius 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 Cornelius 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