Air Traffic Controller Salary in Gainesville, GA: $134,809 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Gainesville, GA earns a median $134,809/year (≈ $64.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Gainesville's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $144,800 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median annual salary projected at $134,809 for 2026, air traffic controllers in Gainesville, Georgia experience competitive compensation, albeit lower than the national median of $151,886. The local salary range spans from $78,189 at the 10th percentile to $189,404 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying levels of responsibility and experience. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for North Georgia's regional cost of living of 93.1, which is below the national average. Controllers in Gainesville often work extensive hours due to chronic understaffing in facilities, which can elevate their overall earnings significantly through overtime, effectively enhancing their annual pay in this dynamic and demanding profession.
About the Gainesville Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,189 | $37.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $97,251 | $46.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,809 | $64.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $172,556 | $82.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $189,404 | $91.06 |
Median Salary Position
11.24% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gainesville
In Gainesville, GA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $111,215 (2026 est.). At $134,809, the local median is 11.24% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gainesville: You'd be above the median
How Gainesville Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Gainesville median: $134,809/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gainesville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $141,457 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -11.24% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Gainesville, GA earn a median of $134,809 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.24% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.70% below the Georgia state average of $141,457.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gainesville 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.
Gainesville, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $134,809 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $144,800 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,162
2025 BLS Actual
$131,431
2026 Current Est.
$134,809
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Gainesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,162 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,757 | Actual |
| 2021 | $115,162 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,381 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,934 | Actual |
| 2024 | $126,035 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,431 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,809 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,273 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gainesville metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $109,162 (2019) to $131,431 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,273 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,111 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gainesville 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) | $78,189 – $97,251 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $97,251 – $134,809 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,809 – $172,556 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $172,556 – $189,404 |
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 Gainesville
In Gainesville, the air traffic controller job market is relatively small, with only 11 professionals currently employed in the area. This limited number suggests a niche market where pay structures can vary widely depending on the type of facility. Controllers at FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities typically command the highest salaries compared to those at airport traffic control towers. With a lower cost of living, controllers in Gainesville enjoy improved purchasing power despite the local median being below nationwide figures. Factors influencing salary disparities include facility tier levels, CPC certification status, and additional earnings from shift differentials and mandatory overtime. As the local air traffic control landscape faces staffing shortages, understanding how to capitalize on these dynamics—such as seeking positions at higher-level facilities or securing overtime—can significantly boost earnings for controllers in Gainesville, GA.
More salary data for Gainesville, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $131,431 for air traffic controllersin the Gainesville 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 Gainesville 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