Air Traffic Controller Salary in Pooler, GA: $139,692 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Pooler, GA earns a median $139,692/year (≈ $67.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Pooler's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $150,045 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Pooler, Georgia, will see a median annual salary of $139,692, positioning them somewhat below the national average of $151,886. The local salary distribution ranges from $81,021 at the 10th percentile to $192,016 at the 90th percentile, indicating a solid earning potential for experienced professionals. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for state-level economic conditions and regional price parities. Given that the local facility types can differ significantly in pay—where en route controllers often earn more due to their higher responsibilities compared to terminal or tower facilities—an understanding of the specific facility tier in Pooler's job market is essential for prospective air traffic controllers aiming to maximize their earning potential.
About the Pooler Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,021 | $38.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,728 | $49.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $139,692 | $67.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $174,873 | $84.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $192,016 | $92.31 |
Median Salary Position
8.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pooler
In Pooler, GA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $110,995 (2026 est.). At $139,692, the local median is 8.03% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pooler: You'd be above the median
How Pooler Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Pooler median: $139,692/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pooler Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $141,389 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -8.03% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Pooler, GA earn a median of $139,692 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.03% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.20% below the Georgia state average of $141,389.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pooler 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.
Pooler, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $139,692 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $150,045 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$113,116
2025 BLS Actual
$136,192
2026 Current Est.
$139,692
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Pooler (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,116 | Actual |
| 2020 | $119,950 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,334 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,633 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,351 | Actual |
| 2024 | $130,601 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,192 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $139,692 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,282 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pooler metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $113,116 (2019) to $136,192 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,282 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,166 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pooler 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) | $81,021 – $103,728 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,728 – $139,692 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $139,692 – $174,873 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $174,873 – $192,016 |
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 Pooler
As of now, there are only six air traffic controllers employed in Pooler, highlighting the competitive and somewhat limited local job market. The cost of living index in Pooler stands at 93.1, indicating that the purchasing power among residents may be higher than in other areas with a higher cost index. Among local employers, FAA en route centers will likely offer the best compensation packages, owing to the responsibilities associated with managing high-altitude traffic. Factors influencing salary spreads include facility type, certification status, and additional earnings from shift differentials or mandatory overtime, which has been common in recent years due to chronic staffing challenges within the FAA. Strategies for maximizing pay in Pooler include pursuing CPC certification and seeking roles at facilities capable of topping the pay scale, allowing controllers to leverage both base salary and additional financial incentives effectively.
More salary data for Pooler, 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 $136,192 for air traffic controllersin the Pooler 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 Pooler 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