Air Traffic Controller Salary in Atlanta, GA: $191,437 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Atlanta, GA earns a median $191,437/year (≈ $92.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Atlanta's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 100.1), that paycheck buys what $191,326 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 35.4% above the Georgia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Atlanta, Georgia, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $191,437, reflecting a more lucrative landscape compared to the national median of $151,886, which highlights a significant difference of 26.04%. The salary range in this city spans from $114,017 at the 10th percentile to as high as $223,182 for those at the 90th percentile; these figures indicate considerable earning potential, especially for controllers working at en route Level 12 facilities versus terminal and tower positions. Data for these estimates is derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys, offering a robust framework for understanding compensation trends in this sector. Atlanta's air traffic controller job market remains highly competitive, underscoring the importance of navigating the facility tier system and varying pay implications.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $114,017 | $54.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $170,656 | $82.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $191,437 | $92.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $214,751 | $103.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $223,182 | $107.30 |
Median Salary Position
26.04% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Atlanta
In Atlanta, GA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $109,165 (2026 est.). At $191,437, the local median is 26.04% above the national median of $151,886.
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At 40 hours/week in Atlanta: You'd be above the median
How Atlanta Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Atlanta median: $191,437/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Atlanta Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $141,386 | +35.40% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +26.04% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Atlanta, GA earn a median of $191,437 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.04% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 35.40% above the Georgia state average of $141,386.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Atlanta has a cost of living 0.06% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Atlanta, GA has a cost-of-living index of 100.058 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $191,437 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $191,326 — a 0.06% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$145,780
2025 BLS Actual
$186,640
2026 Current Est.
$191,437
2019–2027 Growth
+34.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Atlanta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $145,780 | Actual |
| 2020 | $157,840 | Actual |
| 2021 | $161,970 | Actual |
| 2022 | $168,830 | Actual |
| 2023 | $176,300 | Actual |
| 2024 | $182,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $186,640 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $191,437 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $196,357 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Atlanta metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 28.0% from $145,780 (2019) to $186,640 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $196,357 by 2027 — a total increase of $50,577 (34.69%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Atlanta 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) | $114,017 – $170,656 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $170,656 – $191,437 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $191,437 – $214,751 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $214,751 – $223,182 |
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 Atlanta
With approximately 810 air traffic controllers employed in Atlanta, the job market remains strong, yet the cost of living index sits slightly above the national average at 100.058. This figure emphasizes the importance of understanding local purchasing power when considering take-home pay in relation to expenses. Among major employers, FAA en route centers tend to provide the highest compensation, followed by TRACONs and tower facilities. Earnings can significantly fluctuate due to various factors such as facility levels, CPC certification status, and the availability of shift differentials and mandatory overtime. Candidates seeking to maximize air traffic controller pay in Atlanta, GA, should strategically pursue roles at en route centers while also considering the potential for additional earnings through overtime and holiday pay. Understanding these dynamics is crucial, as it aids in navigating the complexities of the air traffic controller pay structure while preparing for the realities of the profession's unique demands.
More salary data for Atlanta, 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
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 $186,640 for air traffic controllersin the Atlanta 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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