Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in McDonough, GA: $65.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in McDonough, GA runs $65.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,291 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against McDonough's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $70.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,771 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In McDonough, GA, the air traffic controller hourly pay stands at a median rate of $65.52, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02. This rate reflects the pay scales that air traffic controllers can expect while working across different environments—whether at an en route center, TRACON, or airport traffic control tower. Controllers handle responsibilities across various settings, including dim control rooms that manage high-altitude traffic and bright tower cab spaces overseeing takeoffs and landings. For those who work part-time, scheduling three days a week can translate to significant earnings, given the hourly rate ranges from $38.03 to $93.27, providing a solid financial framework for both new and experienced controllers alike. The figures also reflect estimates based on annual salary data, indicating considerable potential for both full-time and part-time air traffic professionals in the McDonough area.
About the McDonough 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) | $38.03 | $304.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.14 | $385.09 |
| Median (P50) | $65.52 | $524.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.52 | $652.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.27 | $746.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in McDonough
Based on $65.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.52/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in McDonough, GA can expect to earn approximately $136,285 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,626. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in McDonough.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in McDonough
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,620.87 | $11,357 | $136,285 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,572.52 | $6,814 | $81,771 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,048.35 | $4,543 | $54,514 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (McDonough) | $65.52 |
| 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 McDonough, GA earn a median of $136,291 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.27% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.60% below the Georgia state average of $141,381.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.52/hr = $81,771/year (purchasing power: $87,831).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,285/year (purchasing power: $146,386).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$53.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in McDonough (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $56.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in McDonough grew 20.4% from $53.06/hr (2019) to $63.88/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.21/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 McDonough 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 McDonough
For air traffic controllers contemplating a part-time role with 24 hours a week, the earnings can be quite rewarding when contrasted with full-time positions. The part-time earning potential allows for a balanced lifestyle while still generating a substantial income. Many controllers also work in per-diem or contract positions, which can significantly elevate their effective pay, especially as they might find themselves working up to 60 hours a week when filling acute staffing needs. Overtime can drive earnings to an impressive level, sometimes exceeding the base compensation by a considerable margin, making the reality of agency or locum positions attractive for those willing to navigate their demands. While FAA facilities such as ARTCCs and TRACONs offer comprehensive benefits with potentially lower hourly rates, some prefer higher pay with fewer benefits through other employment pathways. Understanding these dynamics and negotiating effectively—taking into account the variations across employer types, such as FAA maintenance and private contract towers—can guide controllers toward optimal career decisions while living and working in McDonough.
More salary data for McDonough, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in McDonough in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in McDonough?
Are air traffic controllers in McDonough paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in McDonough?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in McDonough?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Georgia
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 McDonough. 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 McDonough 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