Transportation & Logistics North Charleston, SC Pop. 115,382

Air Traffic Controller Salary in North Charleston, South Carolina

The median air traffic controller salary in North Charleston, SC is $130,511 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$130,511
vs State Avg
+$8,243
vs National
$-6,869
Cost of Living
95%

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

North Charleston offers a median air traffic controller salary of $130,511, which is $8,243 above the South Carolina state average of $122,268. Compared to the national median of $137,380, North Charleston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

North Charleston'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 North Charleston 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 115,382, North Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in North Charleston by Experience

In North Charleston, 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

Salary Percentiles in North Charleston, SC

Percentile North Charleston
10th Percentile $77,900
25th Percentile $102,600
Median (50th) $130,511
75th Percentile $166,250
90th Percentile $188,100

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$144,249
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$137,380
Pop. 150,227
Greenville, SC
$126,390
Pop. 72,095
Columbia, SC
$123,642
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in North Charleston

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in North Charleston

Browse open air traffic controller positions in North Charleston, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in North Charleston

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in North Charleston, SC? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in North Charleston, South 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 North Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $130,511, a air traffic controller in North Charleston earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does North Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
North Charleston's median air traffic controller salary of $130,511 is 6.7% above the South Carolina state average of $122,268. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in North Charleston, SC? ▼
North Charleston has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $130,511 in North Charleston 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 North Charleston? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in North Charleston 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.