Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Kennesaw, GA: $64.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Kennesaw, GA runs $64.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,995 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Kennesaw's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,003 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kennesaw, Georgia, the projected median hourly pay for an air traffic controller stands at $64.91, which reflects a significant difference when compared to the national median hourly rate of $73.02. This disparity can influence the earning potential for part-time controllers who work on a three-day-a-week schedule; for example, a controller working 24 hours a week can expect to make around $3,116 monthly. Those in temporary or per-diem roles can find themselves in a range from $37.64 an hour for entry-level positions to $91.36 for top earners, making it a flexible option for many, particularly those stationed at en route centers or in busy airport towers. The work environments are often characterized by high-stakes responsibilities, including radar facilities equipped with dim lights or airport towers that offer panoramic views, providing unique dynamics to the job.
About the Kennesaw 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) | $37.64 | $301.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.73 | $373.85 |
| Median (P50) | $64.91 | $519.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.35 | $658.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.36 | $730.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kennesaw
Based on $64.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.91/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kennesaw, GA can expect to earn approximately $135,005 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,888. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kennesaw.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kennesaw
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,596.25 | $11,250 | $135,005 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,557.75 | $6,750 | $81,003 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,038.50 | $4,500 | $54,002 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Kennesaw) | $64.91 |
| 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 Kennesaw, GA earn a median of $134,995 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.12% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.50% below the Georgia state average of $141,356.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.91/hr = $81,003/year (purchasing power: $87,007).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,005/year (purchasing power: $145,011).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Kennesaw (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Kennesaw grew 20.4% from $52.56/hr (2019) to $63.28/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.57/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 Kennesaw 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 Kennesaw
The earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers working in Kennesaw is noteworthy, as they can take home significant sums depending on their schedules and workload. For those choosing to work just 24 hours a week, the annual earnings can still amount to around $37,392, contrasted with full-time controllers who are often subject to extensive overtime. Many controllers, especially those at understaffed facilities, regularly clock in 50-60 hours a week. Such workloads often transform base hourly compensation, allowing controllers to earn between $50,000 and $100,000 additionally through overtime. This dynamic can vary across various employers, including FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and military installations, where hourly rates and benefits packages differ widely. Controllers in Kennesaw may find that accepting a slightly lower hourly rate for a role offering robust health benefits can be advantageous. For those negotiating pay, especially in the per diem air traffic controller pay context, emphasizing skills gained at FAA facilities or through military experience can provide leverage in discussions.
More salary data for Kennesaw, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Kennesaw. 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 Kennesaw 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