Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Augusta, GA: $69.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Augusta, GA runs $69.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $145,291 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Augusta's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $75.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $87,173 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median hourly pay of $69.85 in Augusta, Georgia, air traffic controllers earn slightly less than the national median of $73.02 per hour. This hourly compensation allows for various work arrangements, such as part-time positions or per-diem work, catering to those who may wish to balance personal commitments or prefer flexible schedules. Controllers typically operate from high-stakes environments like en route centers or airport traffic control towers where concentration and skill are paramount. The hourly wage range for this profession in Augusta stretches from $40.52 at the entry-level (P10) to $103.74 for top earners (P90), indicating significant room for advancement and the potential to earn considerable compensation based on skill level and experience. This pay structure, based on estimates derived from annual salary data, reflects the demanding nature of the work.
About the Augusta Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.52 | $324.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.29 | $402.32 |
| Median (P50) | $69.85 | $558.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89.41 | $715.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.74 | $829.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Augusta
Based on $69.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.85/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Augusta, GA can expect to earn approximately $145,288 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,820. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Augusta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Augusta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,794.01 | $12,107 | $145,288 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,676.40 | $7,264 | $87,173 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,117.60 | $4,843 | $58,115 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Augusta) | $69.85 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Augusta, GA earn a median of $145,291 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.34% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 2.70% above the Georgia state average of $141,472.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.85/hr = $87,173/year (purchasing power: $93,634).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $145,288/year (purchasing power: $156,056).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $60.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $63.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Augusta grew 20.4% from $56.56/hr (2019) to $68.10/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.65/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Augusta 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Augusta
Considering part-time opportunities, a controller working just three days a week, accumulating around 24 hours, could see a significant disparity in annual income compared to full-time colleagues. Part-time positions and per-diem arrangements often attract professionals seeking to optimize work-life balance while still engaging in a critical field. Furthermore, many controllers may find themselves accruing substantial overtime, often working 50-60 hours a week, which can amplify effective hourly compensation significantly, leading to annual earnings that range from $50,000 to $100,000 or more from overtime alone. The pay often varies by facility type, whether in FAA en route centers, TRACONs, or military installations. Additionally, air traffic controllers in Augusta may negotiate their hourly pay based on benefits, choosing between higher rates without insurance. An understanding of local industry standards and a solid grasp of the FAA's pay system and controller requirements can empower applicants to secure better deals in this competitive field.
More salary data for Augusta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Augusta. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Augusta 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