Atlanta vs Woodstock: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Atlanta, GA and Woodstock, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Woodstock, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $191,437▲ | $140,098 |
| Hourly Rate | $92.04▲ | $67.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $114,017▲ | $81,257 |
| 25th Percentile | $170,656▲ | $104,534 |
| 75th Percentile | $214,751▲ | $175,871 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $223,182▲ | $193,378 |
| Total Employed | 810▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Woodstock.
The salary gap between Atlanta and Woodstock is $51,339 (36.65%). 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 Atlanta spans $109,165,Woodstock spans $112,121. Woodstock has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlanta ($191,326 effective) pays 27.14% more than Woodstock ($150,481 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Woodstock if…
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Atlanta grew 28.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.3% growth in Woodstock over the same period.
Atlanta, GA
$145,780 (2019) → $186,640 (2025)
Woodstock, GA
$130,980 (2024) → $136,588 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlanta, GA
Woodstock, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Atlanta or Woodstock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Woodstock?
Should I relocate from Atlanta to Woodstock as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Atlanta vs Woodstock?
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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