Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Sandy Springs, GA: $113,205 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Sandy Springs, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $113,205 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sandy Springs's local price level (BEA RPP 93.1 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $121,595 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($195,181) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Sandy Springs offers promising prospects for those entering the air traffic control field, with starting air traffic controller salaries projected at $113,205 in 2026. While this figure is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $195,181, it reflects a strong foundation for new graduates eager to develop their careers. Over the first three to five years, entry-level controllers can expect to experience significant salary growth, with potential increases leading them toward the $140,531 mark at the 25th percentile and eventually reaching the median. Given the competitive entry-level pay and the upward trajectory for those committed to the profession, 2026 looks to be a favorable year for new air traffic controller candidates in Sandy Springs, Georgia.
About the Sandy Springs Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sandy Springs
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 Sandy Springs
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Sandy Springs, GA typically start between $113,205 and $140,531 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $169,360 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $195,181 — 28.5% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Georgia of $35,000 represents just 30.92% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($113,205/year) in Sandy Springs. 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 Sandy Springs
- 1Research the Sandy Springs market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $113,205 to $140,531, 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 Sandy Springs, 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 Sandy Springs for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sandy Springs'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 Sandy Springs is $169,360 ( 149.60%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $113,205, experienced hygienists can earn up to $282,565.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$96,168
2025 BLS Actual
$110,369
2026 Current Est.
$113,205
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Sandy Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96,168 | Actual |
| 2020 | $102,403 | Actual |
| 2021 | $101,165 | Actual |
| 2022 | $103,571 | Actual |
| 2023 | $107,230 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,959 | Actual |
| 2025 | $110,369 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $113,205 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $116,115 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Sandy Springs, GA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $96,168 in 2019 to $110,369 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $116,115. New graduates entering the Sandy Springs job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sandy Springs 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 Sandy Springs
Throughout Sandy Springs, various pathways exist for aspiring controllers, particularly through the FAA's recruitment processes. The FAA typically hires new air traffic controllers through periodic public announcements, known as "off-the-street" hiring, targeting individuals under age 31, unless they are military veterans. Additionally, candidates can join through the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program in partnership with select universities. Credentials play a crucial role in enhancing starting pay, as candidates must be U.S. citizens, pass the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test, and complete Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy. As federal employees, air traffic controllers fall under the FG pay scale rather than the GS scale, offering a distinctly structured compensation path. Given the push for hiring amid chronic understaffing since 2013, new controllers can realistically anticipate progressive salary increments after their first year, particularly within top-tier facilities that provide robust opportunities for growth and advancement.
More salary data for Sandy Springs, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Sandy Springs in 2026?
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Is aviation school worth it in Sandy Springs?
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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 Sandy Springs. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sandy Springs 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