Air Traffic Controller Salary in Dunwoody, GA: $137,017 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Dunwoody, GA earns a median $137,017/year (≈ $65.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Dunwoody's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $147,172 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Dunwoody, Georgia, command a median annual salary of $137,017, which is notably lower than the national median of $151,886, creating a pay disparity of approximately 9.79%. The salary range for this role in the area spans from $79,470 at the 10th percentile to $197,343 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse levels of responsibility across various facility types. Dunwoody's job market is characterized by the presence of roughly 10 air traffic controllers, with compensation influenced by the facility tier, such as en route, terminal, or tower. Local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parities, provide vital insights into the earning potential within the city's air traffic control landscape.
About the Dunwoody Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,470 | $38.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,652 | $47.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,017 | $65.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $175,382 | $84.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $197,343 | $94.88 |
Median Salary Position
9.79% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dunwoody
In Dunwoody, GA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $117,873 (2026 est.). At $137,017, the local median is 9.79% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dunwoody: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dunwoody Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Dunwoody median: $137,017/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dunwoody Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $141,401 | -3.10% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -9.79% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Dunwoody, GA earn a median of $137,017 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.79% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.10% below the Georgia state average of $141,401.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dunwoody 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.
Dunwoody, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $137,017 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $147,172 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,950
2025 BLS Actual
$133,584
2026 Current Est.
$137,017
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Dunwoody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,950 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,653 | Actual |
| 2021 | $117,048 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,304 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,931 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,100 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,584 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,017 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,538 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dunwoody metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $110,950 (2019) to $133,584 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $140,538 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,588 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dunwoody 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) | $79,470 – $98,652 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,652 – $137,017 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,017 – $175,382 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $175,382 – $197,343 |
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 Dunwoody
The job market for air traffic controllers in Dunwoody shows notable strength, with 10 professionals currently employed in this field, but the local cost of living index sits at 93.1, suggesting purchasing power challenges compared to national averages. Controllers working at en route facilities typically earn more due to the complexity and volume of traffic they manage, positioning them favorably against their terminal and tower counterparts. Pay variations stem from several factors, including CPC certification, shift differentials, and mandatory overtime, which is frequently available due to staffing shortages. For individuals aiming to maximize their pay in this specific market, pursuing specialized training, seeking roles at en route centers, and leveraging overtime opportunities would be beneficial strategies. Understanding how facility types impact compensation is crucial for those considering a career in air traffic control in Dunwoody, GA.
More salary data for Dunwoody, 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 $133,584 for air traffic controllersin the Dunwoody 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 Dunwoody 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