Air Traffic Controller Salary in Durham, NC: $130,511 (2026)

Air Traffic Controller Pay in Durham: What to Expect (2026)

Durham offers a median air traffic controller salary of $130,511, which is $4,121 above the North Carolina state average of $126,390. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Durham's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Durham spans from $77,900 at the 10th percentile to $188,100 at the 90th percentile — a $110,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $80,750, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $180,500. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $80,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $180,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$80,750

$-4,250 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$133,000

$-7,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$180,500

$-9,500 vs national

Percentile	Durham	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$77,900	$75,440	$82,000
25th Percentile	$102,600	$99,360	$108,000
Median (50th)	$130,511	$126,390	$137,380
75th Percentile	$166,250	$161,000	$175,000
90th Percentile	$188,100	$182,160	$198,000

Percentile

Durham

10th Percentile

$77,900

25th Percentile

$102,600

Median (50th)

$130,511

75th Percentile

$166,250

90th Percentile

$188,100

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Durham

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Radar SystemsCommunicationDecision MakingStress ManagementFAA RegulationsSituational Awareness

Job Outlook

Nationally, air traffic controller employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Durham

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Durham, NC? ▼

The median air traffic controller salary in Durham, North Carolina is $130,511 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $77,900 (10th percentile) to $188,100 (90th percentile).

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Durham? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $130,511, a air traffic controller in Durham earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼

Durham's median air traffic controller salary of $130,511 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $126,390. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼

Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $130,511 in Durham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Durham? ▼

Most air traffic controller positions in Durham require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Radar Systems, Communication, Decision Making, Stress Management. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Durham, North Carolina