Transportation & Logistics Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median air traffic controller salary in Columbia, SC is $123,642 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$123,642
vs State Avg
+$1,374
vs National
$-13,738
Cost of Living
90%

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

Columbia offers a median air traffic controller salary of $123,642, which is $1,374 above the South Carolina state average of $122,268. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbia's cost of living is 90% 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 Columbia spans from $73,800 at the 10th percentile to $178,200 at the 90th percentile — a $104,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,500, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $171,000. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $76,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $171,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,500
$-8,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$126,000
$-14,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$171,000
$-19,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $73,800
25th Percentile $97,200
Median (50th) $123,642
75th Percentile $157,500
90th Percentile $178,200

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$144,249
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$137,380
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$130,511
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$126,390
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Columbia

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbia and the surrounding South 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 Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Columbia

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Columbia, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Columbia

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $123,642 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $73,800 (10th percentile) to $178,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $123,642, a air traffic controller in Columbia earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Columbia's median air traffic controller salary of $123,642 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $122,268. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $123,642 in Columbia 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 Columbia? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Columbia 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.