Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Columbia, TN: $78,811 (2026)

In Columbia, prospective air traffic controllers seeking to kickstart their careers should be attentive to the hiring practices of the FAA, which actively recruits through open applications and partnerships with select universities via the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program. The entry-level path requires candidates to meet specific criteria, including U.S. citizenship, educational qualifications, and successful completion of the FAA's Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). For those who pursue the FAA Academy training in Oklahoma City, it is important to appreciate that the training period typically lasts between three to five months, followed by additional facility-specific training that can take one to three years to fully certify as a full Certified Professional Controller (CPC). Given the federal nature of these positions tied to the FG pay scale, along with the context of chronic understaffing post-sequester, new hires can anticipate steady salary growth within the first few years. With mandatory retirement at age 56 and the potential for lucrative earnings, including benefits and overtime in high-demand centers, the career outlook for air traffic controllers in Columbia is both stable and rewarding.