Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Roswell, GA: $89.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Roswell, GA runs $89.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $187,095 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Roswell's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $96.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $112,262 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Roswell, Georgia, air traffic controller hourly pay is projected at $89.95 for 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $73.02. This discrepancy means that controllers in Roswell enjoy a premium on their earnings, which can substantially benefit part-time and per-diem workers. On a part-time schedule of three days per week, or about 24 hours, a controller could take home a solid paycheck while juggling other commitments. The hourly rate varies greatly based on experience and role, with entry-level positions starting around $52.17 and experienced controllers earning as much as $132.35. Typical work environments include en route centers with dimly lit radar consoles, busy air traffic control towers with panoramic views, and TRACON facilities responsible for managing aircraft within 50 miles of major airports.
About the Roswell 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) | $52.17 | $417.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64.76 | $518.10 |
| Median (P50) | $89.95 | $719.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $115.13 | $921.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $132.35 | $1058.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Roswell
Based on $89.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $89.95/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Roswell, GA can expect to earn approximately $187,104 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $107,945. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Roswell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Roswell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,598.16 | $15,592 | $187,104 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,158.89 | $9,355 | $112,262 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,439.26 | $6,237 | $74,842 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Roswell) | $89.95 |
| 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 Roswell, GA earn a median of $187,095 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.18% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 32.30% above the Georgia state average of $141,417.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $89.95/hr = $112,262/year (purchasing power: $120,583).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $187,104/year (purchasing power: $200,971).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$72.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$87.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$89.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Roswell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $77.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $76.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $78.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $81.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $87.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Roswell grew 20.4% from $72.84/hr (2019) to $87.70/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $92.27/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 Roswell 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 Roswell
For those considering part-time air traffic controller roles, the income potential remains robust despite working just a fraction of full-time hours. A controller working three days a week can still realize a considerable annual income. Many facilities are understaffed, leading to significant overtime opportunities; controllers often work 50-60 hours weekly, with overtime rates pushing their effective hourly compensation beyond base rates. Agency and per-diem work offer seasonal flexibility, albeit typically without benefits, while FAA positions guarantee steadier pay and health coverage. Variations in hourly rates exist across different employer types in Roswell, such as FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and military installations, where the job physicality and requirements may differ. Understanding these dynamics can empower air traffic controllers in Roswell to negotiate effectively, ensuring their skills are fairly compensated in a sector facing ongoing staffing challenges.
More salary data for Roswell, 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 Roswell. 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 Roswell 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