Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in South Fulton, GA: $68.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in South Fulton, GA runs $68.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $142,676 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against South Fulton's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $73.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,611 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Fulton, GA, air traffic controllers command a median hourly rate of $68.60, slightly below the national median of $73.02. For those considering part-time work or per-diem opportunities in facilities such as en route centers and airport control towers, this rate can lead to substantial earnings, particularly in high-demand settings. Entry-level controllers may earn approximately $39.79 per hour, while top earners can make up to $98.98. This range reflects the competitiveness of the profession across various work environments, such as TRACON facilities and FAA Academy training centers. The projected pay structure highlights the importance of specialization and experience in influencing earnings, as controllers at different facilities interact with diverse operational challenges.
About the South Fulton 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) | $39.79 | $318.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.57 | $396.58 |
| Median (P50) | $68.60 | $548.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.80 | $702.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.98 | $791.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Fulton
Based on $68.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.60/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Fulton, GA can expect to earn approximately $142,686 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,319. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Fulton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Fulton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,743.95 | $11,890 | $142,686 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,646.37 | $7,134 | $85,611 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,097.58 | $4,756 | $57,074 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (South Fulton) | $68.60 |
| 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 South Fulton, GA earn a median of $142,676 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.06% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.90% above the Georgia state average of $141,403.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.60/hr = $85,611/year (purchasing power: $91,956).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $142,686/year (purchasing power: $153,261).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$55.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in South Fulton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $58.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $59.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $62.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in South Fulton grew 20.4% from $55.55/hr (2019) to $66.88/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.36/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 South Fulton 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 South Fulton
For those opting for part-time status in South Fulton, working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can yield a take-home pay of around $83,000 annually—an appealing choice for many in the field. Given the chronic understaffing in air traffic control, many controllers work additional hours, sometimes even clocking in 50-60 hours per week, which can significantly boost their effective earnings, sometimes exceeding those of full-time employees. The various employer types in the area, including FAA en route centers and airport traffic control towers, present varied hourly pay rates, with DoD civilian ATC and military air traffic control following a distinct path altogether. Some may choose to accept lower hourly rates for consistent health insurance benefits, while others may prioritize higher pay without the added safety net. When negotiating hourly pay, it is advised to consider the full benefits package carefully, assess current pay trends, and emphasize unique skills that might elevate one's worth in this competitive environment.
More salary data for South Fulton, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in South Fulton in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in South Fulton?
Are air traffic controllers in South Fulton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in South Fulton?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in South Fulton?
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 South Fulton. 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 South Fulton 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