Air Traffic Controller Salary in Albany, GA: $140,097 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Albany, GA earns a median $140,097/year (≈ $67.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Albany's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $150,480 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Albany, Georgia, can expect a median annual salary of $140,097 in 2026, a figure that reflects the local market and adjusted for regional cost considerations. The salary range for this occupation in Albany varies significantly, with the lowest 10% earning approximately $81,256 while the upper echelon can make up to $198,685 per year. It's important to keep in mind that salaries in Albany are lower compared to the national median of $151,886, with a difference of about 7.76%. This discrepancy can be partly attributed to the facility tier system, where en route controllers typically earn more than those in terminal and tower facilities, mirroring trends seen across other regions.
About the Albany Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,256 | $39.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $102,551 | $49.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,097 | $67.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $178,165 | $85.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $198,685 | $95.52 |
Median Salary Position
7.76% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Albany
In Albany, GA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $117,429 (2026 est.). At $140,097, the local median is 7.76% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Albany: You'd be above the median
How Albany Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Albany median: $140,097/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Albany Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $141,370 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -7.76% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Albany, GA earn a median of $140,097 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.76% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.90% below the Georgia state average of $141,370.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Albany has a cost of living 6.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Albany, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $140,097 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $150,480 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$113,444
2025 BLS Actual
$136,587
2026 Current Est.
$140,097
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Albany (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,444 | Actual |
| 2020 | $120,298 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,680 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,986 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,717 | Actual |
| 2024 | $130,979 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,587 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,097 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,698 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Albany metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $113,444 (2019) to $136,587 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,698 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,254 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Albany 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $81,256 – $102,551 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $102,551 – $140,097 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,097 – $178,165 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $178,165 – $198,685 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Albany
The local job market for air traffic controllers in Albany is relatively small, with only 12 professionals employed in the area. The cost of living index stands at 93.1, indicating that everyday expenses are below the national average, which can enhance the purchasing power of the salary offered. Among employers, the FAA generally represents the highest salaries. Specific pay scales can vary, with en route facilities offering wages that exceed those at terminal and tower locations—and factors such as facility levels, certification status, and additional opportunities for shift differentials and overtime play critical roles in overall compensation. Understanding these dynamics is essential for prospective controllers looking to maximize their earnings in Albany, GA. Strategies might include obtaining CPC certification, seeking employment at TRACON facilities for better pay, or working overtime during busy shifts, which could significantly boost annual income in this competitive field.
More salary data for Albany, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Albany, GA in 2026?
Is Albany, GA a good place to work as a air traffic controller?
Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Albany?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Albany?
How much does a air traffic controller make per hour in Albany?
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $136,587 for air traffic controllersin the Albany metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Albany 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