Air Traffic Controller Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $118,147 (2026)

Air Traffic Controller Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median air traffic controller salary of $118,147, which is $8,243 below the North Carolina state average of $126,390. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $118,147 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $137,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for air traffic controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Winston-Salem spans from $70,520 at the 10th percentile to $170,280 at the 90th percentile — a $99,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,100, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $163,400. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $73,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $163,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$73,100

$-11,900 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$120,400

$-19,600 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$163,400

$-26,600 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$70,520	$75,440	$82,000
25th Percentile	$92,880	$99,360	$108,000
Median (50th)	$118,147	$126,390	$137,380
75th Percentile	$150,500	$161,000	$175,000
90th Percentile	$170,280	$182,160	$198,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$70,520

25th Percentile

$92,880

Median (50th)

$118,147

75th Percentile

$150,500

90th Percentile

$170,280

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Winston-Salem

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median air traffic controller salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $118,147 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $70,520 (10th percentile) to $170,280 (90th percentile).

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $118,147, a air traffic controller in Winston-Salem earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Winston-Salem's median air traffic controller salary of $118,147 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $126,390. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $118,147 in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem? ▼

Most air traffic controller positions in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem, North Carolina