Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Valdosta, GA: $67.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Valdosta, GA runs $67.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $139,560 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Valdosta's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,730 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Valdosta, Georgia, air traffic controllers can expect a median hourly pay of $67.09, which is slightly below the national median of $73.02. While this hourly rate reflects the average compensation for a full-time position, many controllers take advantage of part-time opportunities and per-diem arrangements that allow for flexible scheduling. Working in facilities like airport traffic control towers or TRACONs, controllers may find themselves in varying environments—from managing en route traffic in dimly lit radar consoles to controlling airport approaches with panoramic views. For those just starting, the hourly wage may begin around $38.92, while experienced professionals can earn up to $98.90 per hour, demonstrating the financial potential tied to experience and skill level in this critical profession.
About the Valdosta 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) | $38.92 | $311.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.80 | $390.42 |
| Median (P50) | $67.09 | $536.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.88 | $687.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98.90 | $791.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Valdosta
Based on $67.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.09/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Valdosta, GA can expect to earn approximately $139,549 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,509. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Valdosta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Valdosta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,683.64 | $11,629 | $139,549 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,610.18 | $6,977 | $83,730 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,073.46 | $4,652 | $55,820 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Valdosta) | $67.09 |
| 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 Valdosta, GA earn a median of $139,560 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.12% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.30% below the Georgia state average of $141,398.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.09/hr = $83,730/year (purchasing power: $89,935).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $139,549/year (purchasing power: $149,892).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Valdosta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Valdosta grew 20.4% from $54.33/hr (2019) to $65.41/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.82/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 Valdosta 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 Valdosta
The earning potential for air traffic controllers who choose part-time work in Valdosta can create a significant disparity when compared to their full-time counterparts. A controller working just three days a week, totaling approximately 24 hours, could still see a respectable annual income despite the reduced hours. Additionally, the reality of per-diem or agency staffing can lead to higher earnings for some, particularly as overtime pay at a rate of 1.5 times their base greatly influences effective hourly compensation. Those at busy facilities often find themselves clocking 50-60 hours weekly, meaning annual earnings can substantially surpass base expectations with hundreds of thousands attributed solely to overtime. Different employers, such as FAA en route centers or military air traffic control, may also offer varying compensation structures. Health benefits versus higher hourly rates can be a negotiation point for controllers, and understanding the local pay market is essential for maximizing income in Valdosta.
More salary data for Valdosta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Valdosta in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Valdosta?
Are air traffic controllers in Valdosta paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Valdosta?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Valdosta?
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 Valdosta. 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 Valdosta 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