Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Peachtree Corners, GA: $80,512 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Peachtree Corners, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,512 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Peachtree Corners's local price level (BEA RPP 93.1 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $86,479 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($138,814) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Peachtree Corners, Georgia offers a promising opportunity for graduates entering the air traffic control field, with a starting air traffic controller salary in 2026 projected at $80,512. While this figure may seem lower than the city’s median annual salary of $138,814, it presents a realistic entry-point for new professionals. Over the initial 3 to 5 years, new controllers can expect their pay to increase, potentially reaching $99,946 at the 25th percentile before moving towards the median salary. With a growth trajectory of 2.57% annually, Peachtree Corners stands as a good option for new graduates eager to embark on their air traffic control careers, especially within an area that values aviation and technological innovation.
About the Peachtree Corners Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Peachtree Corners
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 Peachtree Corners
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Peachtree Corners, GA typically start between $80,512 and $99,946 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $108,918 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $138,814 — 8.61% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Georgia of $35,000 represents just 43.47% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($80,512/year) in Peachtree Corners. 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 Peachtree Corners
- 1Research the Peachtree Corners market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $80,512 to $99,946, 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 Peachtree Corners, 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 Peachtree Corners for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Peachtree Corners'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 Peachtree Corners is $108,918 ( 135.28%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,512, experienced hygienists can earn up to $189,430.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,395
2025 BLS Actual
$78,495
2026 Current Est.
$80,512
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Peachtree Corners (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,395 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,830 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,949 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,263 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,272 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,495 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,512 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,581 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Peachtree Corners, GA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,395 in 2019 to $78,495 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $82,581. New graduates entering the Peachtree Corners job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peachtree Corners 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 Peachtree Corners
Those aiming for an air traffic controller position in Peachtree Corners should be aware of the specific pathways available for new graduates. The FAA primarily hires through 'off-the-street' recruitment, allowing individuals under 31 years old to apply, along with utilizing the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) partnerships with select universities. Required credentials include U.S. citizenship, completion of a bachelor's degree or three years of progressive work experience, and passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). Once hired, recruits undergo training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, which is a critical step before transitioning to facility-specific training. The first few years of employment will lay the foundation for significant salary growth, especially as terminal facilities across the country face chronic understaffing, leading to plenty of opportunities for overtime. With the mandatory retirement age set at 56, early career controllers can find a trajectory filled with advancement potential and competitive compensation over time.
More salary data for Peachtree Corners, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Peachtree Corners?
Is aviation school worth it in Peachtree Corners?
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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 Peachtree Corners. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Peachtree Corners 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