Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Savannah, GA: $82,381 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Savannah, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $82,381 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Savannah's local price level (BEA RPP 93.1 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $88,487 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($142,037) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the air traffic control field in Savannah, Georgia, expectations for the starting air traffic controller salary in 2026 can be both optimistic and realistic. Entry-level positions are projected to begin at around $82,381, which may feel low compared to the city’s median annual salary of $142,037. However, within two to three years, new controllers can anticipate growth, moving up toward the $102,266 mark, narrowing the gap as they gain experience and skills. The gradual increase, coupled with the city's relative affordability—as indicated by a cost of living index of 93.1—creates a positive outlook for newly graduated air traffic controllers aiming to establish their careers in Savannah's market.
About the Savannah Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Savannah
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 Savannah
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Savannah, GA typically start between $82,381 and $102,266 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $121,647 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $142,037 — 6.48% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Georgia of $35,000 represents just 42.49% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($82,381/year) in Savannah. 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 Savannah
- 1Research the Savannah market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $82,381 to $102,266, 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 Savannah, 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 Savannah for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Savannah'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 Savannah is $121,647 ( 147.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $82,381, experienced hygienists can earn up to $204,028.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,570
2025 BLS Actual
$80,317
2026 Current Est.
$82,381
2019–2027 Growth
+23.2%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Savannah (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,570 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,520 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,619 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,370 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,010 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,480 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,317 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,381 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,498 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Savannah, GA grew 17.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,570 in 2019 to $80,317 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,498. New graduates entering the Savannah job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Savannah 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 Savannah
When it comes to finding entry-level roles in Savannah, various pathways exist. The FAA tends to target recent graduates using the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program and through public bid windows for new controllers, recruiting those under age 31 or military veterans through special routes. Meeting key eligibility requirements is crucial; candidates need U.S. citizenship, a bachelor’s degree or relevant experience, and must also pass the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). After being hired, individuals undergo Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy, which can take 3-5 months, followed by facility-specific training. Managing career expectations in the first few years is essential, particularly considering the chronic understaffing since the 2013 sequester, which may drive overtime opportunities for fledgling controllers. Overall, the prospect looks favorable for new grads aiming to grow within this industry and maximize their potential salary trajectory over the next few years in Savannah.
More salary data for Savannah, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Savannah in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Savannah?
Is aviation school worth it in Savannah?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Savannah?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Georgia?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Georgia
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 Savannah. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Savannah 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