Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Griffin, GA: $76,288 (2026)

In Griffin, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the primary employer for new graduate air traffic controllers, hiring through public bid windows or programs with partnered universities under the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). For many candidates, the eligibility criteria necessitate being under 31 years of age unless you are a military veteran. New graduates can boost their financial outlook and employability through various credentials, including passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test and completing Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy. Over their first one to three years, entry-level controllers will find that while starting rates may seem modest compared to higher-tier facilities, the potential for substantial salary growth exists, particularly as many career-focused professionals transition from facility-specific training to full certification. This training often leads to increased compensation, as years spent in high-traffic environments may soon elevate annual earnings significantly beyond initial levels, especially for those who embrace overtime and additional certifications in a landscape still recovering from post-sequester staffing shortages.