Air Traffic Controller Salary in McDonough, GA: $136,291 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in McDonough, GA earns a median $136,291/year (≈ $65.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in McDonough's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $146,392 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In McDonough, Georgia, the projected median air traffic controller salary in 2026 stands at $136,291, which is approximately 10.27% below the national median of $151,886. The local salary range extends from $79,112 at the 10th percentile to $194,004 at the 90th percentile, reflecting disparities based on experience, certification, and job responsibilities. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price variations, indicating that while McDonough's numbers are competitive within Georgia, they lag behind the national averages for this occupation. The timeline to achieve full pay after attaining CPC certification typically spans one to three years, which is pivotal for controllers in developmental roles to upscale their earnings and job status.
About the McDonough Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,112 | $38.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,112 | $48.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,291 | $65.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $169,557 | $81.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $194,004 | $93.27 |
Median Salary Position
10.27% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in McDonough
In McDonough, GA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $114,892 (2026 est.). At $136,291, the local median is 10.27% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in McDonough: You'd be above the median
How McDonough Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
McDonough median: $136,291/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | McDonough Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $141,381 | -3.60% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -10.27% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in McDonough, GA earn a median of $136,291 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.27% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.60% below the Georgia state average of $141,381.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
McDonough 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.
McDonough, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $136,291 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $146,392 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,362
2025 BLS Actual
$132,876
2026 Current Est.
$136,291
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in McDonough (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,362 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,029 | Actual |
| 2021 | $116,428 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,671 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,275 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,420 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,876 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,291 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,794 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the McDonough metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $110,362 (2019) to $132,876 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,794 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,432 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the McDonough 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) | $79,112 – $100,112 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,112 – $136,291 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,291 – $169,557 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $169,557 – $194,004 |
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 McDonough
With only seven air traffic controllers currently employed in McDonough, the local market remains tight yet offers unique opportunities fueled by a favorable cost of living index of 93.1. This index translates into a relative ease of living when compared to national averages and may enhance the purchasing power of salaries earned in this region. Within McDonough, FAA en route centers and terminal facilities generally offer the most lucrative positions. Factors contributing to salary variability include the level of the facility—where Level 12 en route positions command higher salaries compared to Level 11 terminal and Level 7 tower roles—as well as individual CPC certification status and shift differentials, which can significantly boost earnings. Controllers looking to maximize their pay should consider strategies such as pursuing overtime during peak hours or targeting facilities with chronic staffing shortages, which often lead to abundant work opportunities and higher compensation.
More salary data for McDonough, 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 $132,876 for air traffic controllersin the McDonough 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 McDonough 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