Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Alpharetta, GA: $82,848 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Alpharetta, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $82,848 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Alpharetta's local price level (BEA RPP 93.1 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $88,988 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($142,841) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates pursuing a career as an air traffic controller in Alpharetta, Georgia, can expect an entry-level salary of approximately $82,848 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the salary scale, while the median annual salary for air traffic controllers in the city is projected at $142,841, indicating a significant gap that new entrants will need to navigate. Over the initial years of their careers, young professionals can realistically anticipate a salary trajectory that may take them to around $102,846 as they gain experience and skills, eventually positioning themselves closer to the median figure within three to five years. Given the role that Alpharetta plays in the air traffic control sector, it can be a promising market for new graduates eager to launch their careers, especially as there are opportunities for growth despite variations in pay compared to national averages.
About the Alpharetta Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Alpharetta
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alpharetta
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Alpharetta, GA typically start between $82,848 and $102,846 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $120,118 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $142,841 — 5.96% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Georgia of $35,000 represents just 42.25% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($82,848/year) in Alpharetta. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Alpharetta
- 1Research the Alpharetta market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $82,848 to $102,846, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in GA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Alpharetta, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Alpharetta for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Alpharetta's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Alpharetta is $120,118 ( 144.99%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $82,848, experienced hygienists can earn up to $202,966.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$70,379
2025 BLS Actual
$80,772
2026 Current Est.
$82,848
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Alpharetta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,379 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,942 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,036 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,797 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,475 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,456 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,772 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,848 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,977 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Alpharetta, GA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $70,379 in 2019 to $80,772 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,977. New graduates entering the Alpharetta job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alpharetta metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your aviation Career in Alpharetta
The FAA is the primary employer of entry-level air traffic controllers in Alpharetta, often drawing from two key pipelines: the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) partnerships and off-the-street hiring announcements. Eligibility to apply generally includes being under the age of 31, unless one is a military veteran, creating a competitive environment for those transitioning from education to employment. To enhance prospects and salaries, candidates should strive to complete the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) and undergo Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy, followed by facility-specific training to advance through the rigorous certification process. In the first few years, consistent performance can lead to a salary increase that reflects the federal FG pay scale, distinct from the GS salary structure. Given the ongoing staffing challenges in the industry, as evidenced by chronic understaffing since the 2013 sequester, new controllers may also be encouraged to embrace opportunities for overtime, which could significantly impact their overall compensation.
More salary data for Alpharetta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Alpharetta in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Alpharetta?
Is aviation school worth it in Alpharetta?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Alpharetta?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Georgia?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Georgia
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Alpharetta. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alpharetta is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov