Air Traffic Controller Salary

Johns Creek vs Savannah: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)

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

Johns Creek, GA
$138,216
$66.46/hr
Savannah, GA
$142,037
$68.29/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJohns Creek, GASavannah, GA
Median Salary$138,216$142,037
Hourly Rate$66.46$68.29
Entry Level (P10)$80,166$82,381
25th Percentile$99,515$102,266
75th Percentile$176,917$181,135
Top Earner (P90)$201,436$204,028
Total Employed1836
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Johns Creek ($138,216) and Savannah ($142,037) air traffic controller salaries.Johns CreekSavannahMedian Salary$138,216$142,037Entry Level (P10)$80,166$82,381Top Earner (P90)$201,436$204,028US Median $151,886

Verdict

Savannah, GA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Johns Creek.

The salary gap between Johns Creek and Savannah is $3,821 (2.76%). Savannah's median is -6.48% compared to the US national median of $151,886.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Johns Creek spans $121,270,Savannah spans $121,647. Savannah has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.

Johns Creek
P10 (Entry)$80,166
P25$99,515
Median$138,216
P75$176,917
P90 (Top)$201,436
Savannah
P10 (Entry)$82,381
P25$102,266
Median$142,037
P75$181,135
P90 (Top)$204,028

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Savannah ($152,564 effective) pays 2.76% more than Johns Creek ($148,460 effective).

Johns Creek
Nominal: $138,216
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $148,460
Savannah
Nominal: $142,037
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $152,564

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Johns Creek if…

  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Savannah if…

  • Higher median salary ($142,037/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($204,028)
  • Larger job market (36 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,564)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Johns Creek grew 4.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 42.3% growth in Savannah over the same period.

Johns Creek, GA

+4.3%

$129,220 (2024) → $134,753 (2025)

Savannah, GA

+42.3%

$97,290 (2019) → $138,478 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Johns Creek or Savannah?

Savannah has a higher median air traffic controller salary at $142,037/year, compared to Johns Creek at $138,216/year — a difference of $3,821 (2.76%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Johns Creek and Savannah?

Johns Creek air traffic controllers earn $66.46/hr while Savannah hygienists earn $68.29/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Johns Creek to Savannah as a air traffic controller?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Johns Creek and Savannah. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Johns Creek = $148,460, Savannah = $152,564), job availability (18 vs 36 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Johns Creek vs Savannah?

Entry-level (10th percentile) air traffic controllers earn $80,166 in Johns Creek and $82,381 in Savannah. The Savannah 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