Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Macon, GA: $67.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Macon, GA runs $67.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $139,454 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Macon's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,678 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Macon, Georgia, earn a median hourly wage of $67.05, which falls below the national average of $73.02. This figure indicates that, in a typical work setting—whether in en route centers, TRACON facilities, or airport traffic control towers—controllers can expect to earn a significant pay rate, especially when considering the hourly pay range from $38.88 for entry-level positions to $98.18 for those at the top of their field. Controllers who work part-time, for instance, on a three-day work week could anticipate earnings of approximately $51,084 annually, based on a standard schedule. Additionally, those engaged in per-diem work arrangements may find negotiation avenues beneficial, particularly during training transfers at various facilities in Macon.
About the Macon 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) | $38.88 | $311.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.27 | $386.16 |
| Median (P50) | $67.05 | $536.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.82 | $686.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.18 | $785.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Macon
Based on $67.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.05/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Macon, GA can expect to earn approximately $139,464 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,460. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Macon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Macon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,682.00 | $11,622 | $139,464 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,609.20 | $6,973 | $83,678 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,072.80 | $4,649 | $55,786 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Macon) | $67.05 |
| 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 Macon, GA earn a median of $139,454 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.19% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.40% below the Georgia state average of $141,434.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.05/hr = $83,678/year (purchasing power: $89,880).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $139,464/year (purchasing power: $149,800).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Macon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Macon grew 20.4% from $54.29/hr (2019) to $65.37/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.77/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 Macon 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 Macon
When assessing the earning potential of part-time air traffic controllers in Macon, it's clear that while the annual take-home pay reflects a compelling choice for some, full-time controllers often find themselves with broader opportunities. Controllers may work extensive overtime, earning time and a half, which can result in total annual compensation exceeding $80,000, with some making upwards of $100,000 as a result of chronic understaffing. In Macon, hourly rates may vary by employer type: FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and military facilities each present differing pay scales. While some controllers opt for positions offering lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits, others prefer higher rates without the security of health insurance. For those considering roles in air traffic control, effective negotiation is key, particularly in a city where per diem air traffic controller pay can make a tangible difference, enhancing overall earnings in a competitive job market.
More salary data for Macon, 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 Macon. 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 Macon 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