Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Kennesaw, GA: $78,298 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Kennesaw, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,298 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kennesaw's local price level (BEA RPP 93.1 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,101 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($134,995) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates aspiring to enter the air traffic controller profession in Kennesaw, Georgia, the entry-level salary presents a promising opportunity. In 2026, the starting air traffic controller salary in Kennesaw is projected at $78,298. This initial pay reflects a significant gap when compared to the median annual salary of $134,995 for the region. However, there’s a clear growth trajectory for those entering the industry, with potential earnings increasing to $97,196 at the 25th percentile and then moving closer to the median as experience is gained, making this a viable market for new graduates. With a conducive economic environment and ongoing demand for air traffic controllers, Kennesaw offers a solid starting point for those looking to begin their careers in this vital field.
About the Kennesaw Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kennesaw
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 Kennesaw
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Kennesaw, GA typically start between $78,298 and $97,196 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $111,724 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $134,995 — 11.12% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Georgia of $35,000 represents just 44.70% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($78,298/year) in Kennesaw. 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 Kennesaw
- 1Research the Kennesaw market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $78,298 to $97,196, 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 Kennesaw, 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 Kennesaw for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kennesaw'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 Kennesaw is $111,724 ( 142.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,298, experienced hygienists can earn up to $190,022.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$66,514
2025 BLS Actual
$76,336
2026 Current Est.
$78,298
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Kennesaw (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,514 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,826 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,970 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,634 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,165 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,202 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,336 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,298 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,310 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Kennesaw, GA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $66,514 in 2019 to $76,336 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,310. New graduates entering the Kennesaw job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kennesaw 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 Kennesaw
Employers in Kennesaw are actively recruiting new air traffic controllers, primarily through the FAA's various hiring pathways, including periodic public bid windows for new applicants and partnerships with colleges through the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). For prospective candidates, it’s essential to consider qualifications that can elevate starting pay. Meeting the basic requirements, including US citizenship, educational background, and passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA), sets a solid foundation. Completion of Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy is crucial, with the FAA covering these expenses. Given the extensive training involved, controllers often see a rise in pay as they move through the ranks, especially given the FG pay scale for federal employees. With chronic understaffing leading to increased overtime, the potential for salary growth in the first few years in this profession can be substantial, but it’s critical for new hires to be proactive about career development and maintain compliance with ongoing training requirements.
More salary data for Kennesaw, 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 Kennesaw. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kennesaw 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