Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Georgetown, KY: $71,677 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Georgetown, KY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,677 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Georgetown's local price level (BEA RPP 89.3 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,265 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($123,580) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the air traffic controller profession in Georgetown, Kentucky, can expect a starting salary of around $71,677. While this figure is significantly lower than the city median annual salary of $123,580, it represents a viable entry point into a fulfilling career. Entry-level controllers may see their pay increase to $89,596 within a few years as they gain experience. Over a typical career trajectory, it’s reasonable for a new air traffic controller to progress toward the median salary as they complete necessary certifications and accumulate years of service. Given Georgetown's manageable cost of living index of 89.3, the entry-level air traffic controller salary in Georgetown provides a reasonable foundation for starting a professional journey in air traffic management.
About the Georgetown Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Georgetown
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 Georgetown
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Georgetown, KY typically start between $71,677 and $89,596 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $102,661 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $123,580 — 18.64% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Kentucky of $30,000 represents just 41.85% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($71,677/year) in Georgetown. 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 Georgetown
- 1Research the Georgetown market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $71,677 to $89,596, 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 KY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Georgetown, 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 Georgetown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Georgetown'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 Georgetown is $102,661 ( 143.23%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,677, experienced hygienists can earn up to $174,338.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,890
2025 BLS Actual
$69,881
2026 Current Est.
$71,677
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Georgetown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,890 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,837 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,053 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,577 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,894 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,441 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,881 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,677 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,519 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Georgetown, KY grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,890 in 2019 to $69,881 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,519. New graduates entering the Georgetown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Georgetown 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 Georgetown
In Georgetown, various pathways exist for aspiring air traffic controllers. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) typically recruits new graduates through public bid windows, targeting candidates under 31 years old, unless they are military veterans. Graduates of institutions partnered with the FAA’s Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program are also sought after, as they come with tailored preparedness for the role. Key qualifications for enhancing starting pay in Kentucky include U.S. citizenship, a relevant educational background, and successful completion of the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). New controllers usually undergo initial qualification training at the FAA Academy, with on-the-job training lasting up to three years before achieving full certification as a Certified Professional Controller (CPC). Within the first three years, effective strategies include focusing on professional development and seeking opportunities for overtime, as understaffing in the sector can lead to consistent extra hours, boosting overall compensation significantly.
More salary data for Georgetown, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Georgetown in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Georgetown?
Is aviation school worth it in Georgetown?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Georgetown?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Kentucky?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kentucky
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 Georgetown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Georgetown 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