Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Augusta, GA: $84,269 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Augusta, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,269 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Augusta's local price level (BEA RPP 93.1 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $90,515 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($145,291) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates aspiring to become air traffic controllers in Augusta, Georgia, the starting salary can be around $84,269 in 2026. This figure falls significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $145,291, indicating a notable gap that early-career professionals may encounter. However, there is a clear upward trajectory in pay as controllers gain experience, moving from the entry-level position toward the 25th percentile salary of $104,610 and ultimately reaching the median. This growth potential may be appealing for recent graduates seeking a stable career. Currently, Augusta's market presents a mix of opportunities for newcomers, especially considering the conditions shaped by ongoing staffing demands within the FAA.
About the Augusta Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Augusta
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 Augusta
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Augusta, GA typically start between $84,269 and $104,610 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $131,499 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $145,291 — 4.34% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Georgia of $35,000 represents just 41.53% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($84,269/year) in Augusta. 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 Augusta
- 1Research the Augusta market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $84,269 to $104,610, 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 Augusta, 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 Augusta for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Augusta'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 Augusta is $131,499 ( 156.05%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,269, experienced hygienists can earn up to $215,768.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$71,587
2025 BLS Actual
$82,158
2026 Current Est.
$84,269
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,587 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,228 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,306 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,098 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,822 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,785 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,158 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,269 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,435 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Augusta, GA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $71,587 in 2019 to $82,158 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $86,435. New graduates entering the Augusta job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Augusta 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 Augusta
When it comes to job prospects in Augusta, the FAA is a primary employer for new air traffic controllers. The agency recruits through both “off-the-street” hiring announcements and the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) in partnership with select universities. New hires must pass the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test and complete Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy, which is fully compensated. Given the age constraint for entry—applicants must be under age 31 unless they are military veterans—it's essential for hopeful candidates to prepare early. In the first few years of employment, controllers on the FG pay scale can expect realistic salary growth as their experience increases, especially if they secure positions in higher-tier facilities. Augusta offers a viable launching pad for new controllers, particularly in light of chronic staffing shortages that persist in the industry.
More salary data for Augusta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 Augusta. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Augusta 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