Air Traffic Controller Salary

Augusta vs Statesboro: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)

Compare air traffic controller salaries between Augusta, GA and Statesboro, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Augusta, GA
$145,291
$69.85/hr
Statesboro, GA
$140,262
$67.43/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAugusta, GAStatesboro, GA
Median Salary$145,291$140,262
Hourly Rate$69.85$67.43
Entry Level (P10)$84,269$81,352
25th Percentile$104,610$100,989
75th Percentile$185,973$179,087
Top Earner (P90)$215,768$199,243
Total Employed428
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Augusta ($145,291) and Statesboro ($140,262) air traffic controller salaries.AugustaStatesboroMedian Salary$145,291$140,262Entry Level (P10)$84,269$81,352Top Earner (P90)$215,768$199,243US Median $151,886

Verdict

Augusta, GA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Statesboro.

The salary gap between Augusta and Statesboro is $5,029 (3.59%). Augusta's median is -4.34% compared to the US national median of $151,886.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $131,499,Statesboro spans $117,891. Augusta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Augusta
P10 (Entry)$84,269
P25$104,610
Median$145,291
P75$185,973
P90 (Top)$215,768
Statesboro
P10 (Entry)$81,352
P25$100,989
Median$140,262
P75$179,087
P90 (Top)$199,243

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Augusta ($156,059 effective) pays 3.59% more than Statesboro ($150,657 effective).

Augusta
Nominal: $145,291
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $156,059
Statesboro
Nominal: $140,262
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $150,657

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Augusta if…

  • Higher median salary ($145,291/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($215,768)
  • Larger job market (42 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,059)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Statesboro if…

  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Augusta grew 4.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.3% growth in Statesboro over the same period.

Augusta, GA

+4.3%

$135,836 (2024) → $141,651 (2025)

Statesboro, GA

+4.3%

$131,134 (2024) → $136,748 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Augusta or Statesboro?

Augusta has a higher median air traffic controller salary at $145,291/year, compared to Statesboro at $140,262/year — a difference of $5,029 (3.59%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Statesboro?

Augusta air traffic controllers earn $69.85/hr while Statesboro hygienists earn $67.43/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Augusta to Statesboro as a air traffic controller?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Augusta and Statesboro. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Augusta = $156,059, Statesboro = $150,657), job availability (42 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Augusta vs Statesboro?

Entry-level (10th percentile) air traffic controllers earn $84,269 in Augusta and $81,352 in Statesboro. The Augusta area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Rodriguez, ATOData verified by Omar Patel, ATO

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