Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Newnan, GA: $78,921 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Newnan, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,921 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Newnan's local price level (BEA RPP 93.1 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,770 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($136,071) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates aiming for a career as an air traffic controller in Newnan, Georgia, can expect starting salaries around $78,921 in 2026. This entry-level pay is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $136,071, highlighting a significant gap for those fresh out of training. However, the growth trajectory for early-career professionals is promising, with potential earnings increasing to approximately $99,687 within the first few years as they gain experience and responsibilities. With an annual growth rate projected at 2.57%, Newnan presents a viable market for new graduates eager to embark on their careers in air traffic control.
About the Newnan Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Newnan
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 Newnan
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Newnan, GA typically start between $78,921 and $99,687 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $114,686 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $136,071 — 10.41% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Georgia of $35,000 represents just 44.35% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($78,921/year) in Newnan. 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 Newnan
- 1Research the Newnan market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $78,921 to $99,687, 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 Newnan, 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 Newnan for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Newnan'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 Newnan is $114,686 ( 145.32%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,921, experienced hygienists can earn up to $193,607.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$67,044
2025 BLS Actual
$76,944
2026 Current Est.
$78,921
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Newnan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,044 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,391 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,527 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,205 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,756 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,785 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,944 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,921 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,950 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Newnan, GA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $67,044 in 2019 to $76,944 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,950. New graduates entering the Newnan job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Newnan 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 Newnan
Employment opportunities for entry-level controllers in Newnan are primarily available through the FAA, which recruits new professionals through various programs, including the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) and off-the-street hiring announcements aimed at individuals under 31, with exceptions for military veterans. To enhance starting pay in Georgia, candidates should focus on the necessary educational credentials while completing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) and initial training at the FAA Academy. During the first three years on the job, entry-level controllers typically see a significant salary progression as they work towards certification as fully qualified controllers. Given the chronic understaffing since the 2013 sequester, opportunities for overtime are substantial, potentially allowing early-career professionals to increase overall compensation significantly while preparing for a long-term career on the FG pay scale.
More salary data for Newnan, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Newnan in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Newnan?
Is aviation school worth it in Newnan?
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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 Newnan. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Newnan 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