Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Pooler, GA: $81,021 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Pooler, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,021 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pooler's local price level (BEA RPP 93.1 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $87,026 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($139,692) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as an air traffic controller in Pooler, Georgia, the starting salary sets realistic expectations for new graduates in 2026. The entry-level pay is pegged at $81,021, which sits beneath the city’s median annual salary of $139,692, illustrating a significant gap. However, the salaries tend to progress swiftly from the initial pay bracket towards greater earnings, with potential to reach $103,728 during the first few years of employment, approaching the median as experience and certifications accumulate. This steady growth trajectory indicates that Pooler is a viable market for newcomers eager to enter the field of air traffic control, offering a solid foundation for future salary increases.
About the Pooler Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pooler
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 Pooler
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Pooler, GA typically start between $81,021 and $103,728 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $110,995 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $139,692 — 8.03% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Georgia of $35,000 represents just 43.20% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($81,021/year) in Pooler. 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 Pooler
- 1Research the Pooler market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $81,021 to $103,728, 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 Pooler, 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 Pooler for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pooler'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 Pooler is $110,995 ( 137.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,021, experienced hygienists can earn up to $192,016.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,828
2025 BLS Actual
$78,991
2026 Current Est.
$81,021
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Pooler (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,828 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,290 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,403 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,126 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,745 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,749 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,991 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,021 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,103 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Pooler, GA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,828 in 2019 to $78,991 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $83,103. New graduates entering the Pooler job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pooler 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 Pooler
Industries hiring new air traffic controllers in Pooler primarily include the FAA, which actively recruits through various pathways including public bidding for candidates under 31 and collaborations with the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program. Early-career professionals can enhance their starting air traffic controller salary in Pooler by obtaining necessary credentials, such as U.S. citizenship, a bachelor's degree, or a combination of advanced training experiences. While initiating their careers, controllers can expect a structured first few years, with time spent on both Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy and facility-specific training. Career growth could see salaries climb gradually, particularly for those in high-demand positions at en route facilities, where Federally employed controllers enjoy a structured FG pay scale. Factors like shift differentials and overtime further enhance earning potential, making this an appealing sector for ambitious new grads.
More salary data for Pooler, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Pooler in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Pooler?
Is aviation school worth it in Pooler?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Pooler?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Georgia?
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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 Pooler. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pooler 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