Air Traffic Controllers Salary in Columbia, SC

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Columbia, SC

Median annual salary $100,510 -30.5% vs national
Median hourly $48.32
10th percentile $78,790
90th percentile $125,590
Employed locally 40
National median $144,580

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Air Traffic Controllers
in
Columbia, SC
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $78,790
    25th
    $91,370
    50th (median)
    $100,510
    75th
    $113,030
    90th
    $125,590

    Columbia economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $66,146 2023 • Census ACS
    Air Traffic Controllers salary vs area income 152% Median Air Traffic Controllers salary is 52% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Air Traffic Controllers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $192,500
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $188,930
    Virginia $185,890
    Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN $184,930
    Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX $182,890
    Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA $182,310

    Nearby metros — Air Traffic Controllers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $188,930
    Wisconsin $106,750
    Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $104,040

    Related occupations in Columbia, SC

    OccupationMedian salary
    Stockers and Order Fillers $36,520
    Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $37,580
    Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $52,730
    Light Truck Drivers $40,500
    Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $40,820
    First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $62,430

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Air Traffic Controllers make per hour in Columbia?

    The median hourly wage for Air Traffic Controllers in Columbia, SC is $48.32, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $60.38 or more per hour.

    Is Columbia above or below average for Air Traffic Controllers salaries?

    The median Air Traffic Controllers salary in Columbia, SC is 30.5% below the national median of $144,580. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Air Traffic Controllers in Columbia?

    Entry-level Air Traffic Controllers (10th percentile) earn around $78,790 per year in Columbia, SC. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $91,370.