Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Brookhaven, GA: $82,010 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Brookhaven, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $82,010 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brookhaven's local price level (BEA RPP 93.1 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $88,088 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($141,397) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates looking to enter the field of air traffic control in Brookhaven, Georgia, the starting pay is projected to be $82,010 in 2026. While this figure may initially appear modest compared to the city's median salary of $141,397, it is important to recognize the growth potential within this career. Early-career professionals can expect their pay to rise to $101,806 at the 25th percentile within the first few years, providing a clear pathway toward the median salary as they gain experience and certification. Given the current demand for air traffic controllers in Brookhaven, the job market appears favorable for newly minted graduates keen on launching their careers in this essential sector of aviation.
About the Brookhaven Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brookhaven
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 Brookhaven
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Brookhaven, GA typically start between $82,010 and $101,806 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $130,034 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $141,397 — 6.91% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Georgia of $35,000 represents just 42.68% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($82,010/year) in Brookhaven. 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 Brookhaven
- 1Research the Brookhaven market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $82,010 to $101,806, 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 Brookhaven, 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 Brookhaven for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brookhaven'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 Brookhaven is $130,034 ( 158.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $82,010, experienced hygienists can earn up to $212,044.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$69,667
2025 BLS Actual
$79,955
2026 Current Est.
$82,010
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Brookhaven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,667 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,184 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,287 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,030 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,681 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,673 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,955 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,010 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,117 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Brookhaven, GA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $69,667 in 2019 to $79,955 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,117. New graduates entering the Brookhaven job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookhaven 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 Brookhaven
Looking at the hiring landscape for new air traffic controller graduates, several pathways exist for entering this profession in Brookhaven. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) frequently recruits new controllers through its Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) and off-the-street hiring announcements. Candidates must meet age requirements—applicants under 31, unless they are military veterans. To further enhance starting salaries, earning relevant credentials is crucial; prospective controllers need a bachelor’s degree or three years of progressive work experience, along with passing the FAA's Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). The initial training at the FAA Academy lasts around 3-5 months, followed by facility-specific training which may take 1-3 years to fully certify. With mandatory retirement at age 56 and a history of chronic understaffing leading to overtime opportunities, new air traffic controllers in Brookhaven should approach their first few years with a clear understanding of salary growth and career advancement paths that can lead to significant increases in pay and responsibility over time.
More salary data for Brookhaven, 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 Brookhaven. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brookhaven 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