Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Stockbridge, GA: $67.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Stockbridge, GA runs $67.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $139,890 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Stockbridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,934 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Stockbridge, Georgia, the projected median air traffic controller hourly pay for 2026 is $67.26, which is roughly 7.90% lower than the national median of $73.02. This hourly rate can significantly affect workers seeking part-time or per-diem employment opportunities in this field. For example, air traffic controllers working three days a week can earn substantial hourly wages while benefiting from a flexible schedule. The hourly range for this profession in Stockbridge varies considerably, with entry-level positions starting around $39.01 and top earners reaching $92.81. Such rates reflect the significant responsibilities involved in managing our national airspace, whether from an en-route center, a terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facility, or an airport control tower, where controllers operate from windowless control rooms or cabs with expansive views to direct traffic safely and efficiently.
About the Stockbridge 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) | $39.01 | $312.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.05 | $400.43 |
| Median (P50) | $67.26 | $538.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.21 | $673.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.81 | $742.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Stockbridge
Based on $67.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.26/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Stockbridge, GA can expect to earn approximately $139,891 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,706. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Stockbridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Stockbridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,690.21 | $11,658 | $139,891 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,614.12 | $6,995 | $83,934 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,076.08 | $4,663 | $55,956 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Stockbridge) | $67.26 |
| 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 Stockbridge, GA earn a median of $139,890 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.90% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.10% below the Georgia state average of $141,446.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.26/hr = $83,934/year (purchasing power: $90,155).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $139,891/year (purchasing power: $150,259).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Stockbridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Stockbridge grew 20.4% from $54.46/hr (2019) to $65.57/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.98/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 Stockbridge 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 Stockbridge
Earnings potential for air traffic controllers within Stockbridge can vary markedly based on employment status and facility type. A part-time controller working a standard 24-hour week would make around $84,505 annually, though their full-time counterparts often enjoy the benefits and negotiate overtime, sometimes earning between $50,000 and $100,000 extra per year due to extensive hours. This is especially relevant in a system recovering from past understaffing, where many controllers are working 50-60 hours per week. Differences in hourly pay between facility types also come into play: FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and airport towers have distinct compensation tiers, reflecting their operational demands. Additionally, some air traffic controllers might opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance. Practical strategies for hourly negotiations include understanding the unique local market and the specific pay scales influenced by the FAA and contracting companies in Stockbridge, where a salary at the lower end of the spectrum might still offer necessary perks.
More salary data for Stockbridge, 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 Stockbridge. 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 Stockbridge 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