Athens vs Atlanta: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Athens, GA and Atlanta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, GA | Atlanta, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $145,590 | $191,437▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $69.99 | $92.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,442 | $114,017▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $104,824 | $170,656▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $186,355 | $214,751▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $216,521 | $223,182▲ |
| Total Employed | 31 | 810▲ |
Verdict
Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Athens and Atlanta is $45,847 (31.49%). Atlanta's median is +26.04% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $132,079,Atlanta spans $109,165. Athens has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlanta ($191,326 effective) pays 22.35% more than Athens ($156,380 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Atlanta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($191,437/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($223,182)
- ✓Larger job market (810 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $191,326)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Athens grew 4.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.0% growth in Atlanta over the same period.
Athens, GA
$136,114 (2024) → $141,942 (2025)
Atlanta, GA
$145,780 (2019) → $186,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, GA
Atlanta, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Athens or Atlanta?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Atlanta?
Should I relocate from Athens to Atlanta as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Athens vs Atlanta?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, ATO
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience as an air traffic controller. He specializes in terminal area control at a major airport.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov