Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Johns Creek, GA: $80,166 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Johns Creek, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,166 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Johns Creek's local price level (BEA RPP 93.1 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $86,107 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($138,216) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the air traffic control workforce in Johns Creek, Georgia, the starting air traffic controller salary is projected at $80,166 in 2026. This initial figure represents the lower end of the salary range, showcasing a significant opportunity for growth within the field. As entry-level professionals gain experience and certification, they can expect to progress towards the 25th percentile salary of $99,515 within a few years. The median salary in Johns Creek stands at $138,216, indicating a sizable gap that highlights the potential for upward mobility in this lucrative profession. With the air traffic control sector projected to grow at an annual rate of 2.57%, now might be an ideal time for new grads to consider opportunities in this competitive market.
About the Johns Creek Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Johns Creek
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 Johns Creek
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Johns Creek, GA typically start between $80,166 and $99,515 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $121,270 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $138,216 — 9% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Georgia of $35,000 represents just 43.66% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($80,166/year) in Johns Creek. 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 Johns Creek
- 1Research the Johns Creek market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $80,166 to $99,515, 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 Johns Creek, 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 Johns Creek for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Johns Creek'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 Johns Creek is $121,270 ( 151.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,166, experienced hygienists can earn up to $201,436.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,101
2025 BLS Actual
$78,157
2026 Current Est.
$80,166
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Johns Creek (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,101 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,516 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,639 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,343 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,934 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,948 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,157 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,166 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,226 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Johns Creek, GA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,101 in 2019 to $78,157 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $82,226. New graduates entering the Johns Creek job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johns Creek 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 Johns Creek
Employment opportunities for new air traffic controllers in Johns Creek predominantly arise from the FAA, which hires through various pathways, including public bid windows for entry-level positions. Prospective controllers must meet specific criteria such as being under the age of 31, unless they are veterans, and must possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience. Once hired, controllers undergo rigorous training at the FAA Academy, which is compensated, enabling them to acquire essential qualifications. To enhance their earning potential, new hires should focus on continuous professional development and networking within organizations like NATCA. The compensation structure allows for substantial growth, with many controllers in top facilities eventually earning significantly more due to overtime and shift differentials. Given the potential for increased salaries and the FAA's commitment to addressing workforce shortages, the first few years of a career in air traffic control can be highly rewarding for individuals dedicated to the profession.
More salary data for Johns Creek, 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 Johns Creek. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Johns Creek 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