Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Rome, GA: $64.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Rome, GA runs $64.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,809 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Rome's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $69.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,888 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rome, Georgia, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly pay of $64.81, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02. This rate reflects the broader salary expectations for the profession, though it also indicates potential earning opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers. For those working a part-time schedule of three days a week, or approximately 24 hours, the financial viability can still be decent, especially considering the typical work environments. Controllers operate from varied settings, including en route centers and airport traffic control towers, where they can command hourly rates ranging from $37.59 at the entry-level to $91.06 for top earners in the area. It’s essential to keep in mind that these rates are derived from annual salary estimates, providing a framework for evaluating compensation structure across different placements within the industry.
About the Rome 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) | $37.59 | $300.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.75 | $374.01 |
| Median (P50) | $64.81 | $518.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.14 | $657.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.06 | $728.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rome
Based on $64.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.81/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rome, GA can expect to earn approximately $134,813 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,777. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rome.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rome
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,592.56 | $11,234 | $134,813 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,555.54 | $6,741 | $80,888 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,037.02 | $4,494 | $53,925 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Rome) | $64.81 |
| 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 Rome, GA earn a median of $134,809 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.24% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.70% below the Georgia state average of $141,457.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.81/hr = $80,888/year (purchasing power: $86,883).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,813/year (purchasing power: $144,805).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Rome (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $55.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $56.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Rome grew 20.4% from $52.48/hr (2019) to $63.19/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.48/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 Rome 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 Rome
In considering part-time potential, a controller in Rome working 24 hours weekly might anticipate an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, although it still allows for a sustainable lifestyle in the area. Per-diem arrangements can further improve earnings, especially with overtime compensation driving overall pay well past the base rate due to chronic staffing shortages in facilities. It's common for controllers to work between 50 to 60 hours weekly, yielding substantial overtime that could add an extra $50k to $100k annually. The differences in hourly pay among various employer types, such as FAA en route centers versus contract towers, create unique dynamics in the job market. While some may choose positions offering lower hourly rates for comprehensive benefits, others might prefer the financial freedom that comes with high hourly pay but without health insurance. For negotiators in Rome, demonstrating strong expertise and qualifications can provide leverage in securing favorable terms that reflect the demands of air traffic control.
More salary data for Rome, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Rome in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Rome?
Are air traffic controllers in Rome paid hourly or salary?
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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 Rome. 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 Rome 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