Air Traffic Controller Salary in Smyrna, GA: $136,872 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Smyrna, GA earns a median $136,872/year (≈ $65.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Smyrna's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $147,016 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Smyrna, Georgia, air traffic controllers earn a median annual salary of $136,872, which sits below the national median of $151,886. The salary range varies significantly, from $79,386 at the 10th percentile to $196,500 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional pricing, highlight how much the local job market can impact earnings. While the compensation is competitive given the cost-of-living index of 93.1, which is below the national average, the tiered facility system for air traffic control can drive substantial variances in pay. Controllers working in en route centers typically earn more than their counterparts in terminal facilities or control towers, making it essential for professionals in this field to strategically consider their employment options within the area.
About the Smyrna Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,386 | $38.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,548 | $47.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,872 | $65.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $175,197 | $84.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $196,500 | $94.47 |
Median Salary Position
9.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Smyrna
In Smyrna, GA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $117,114 (2026 est.). At $136,872, the local median is 9.89% below the national median of $151,886.
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How Smyrna Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Smyrna median: $136,872/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Smyrna Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $141,397 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -9.89% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Smyrna, GA earn a median of $136,872 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.89% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.20% below the Georgia state average of $141,397.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Smyrna 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.
Smyrna, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $136,872 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $147,016 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,833
2025 BLS Actual
$133,443
2026 Current Est.
$136,872
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,833 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,529 | Actual |
| 2021 | $116,925 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,178 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,801 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,964 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,443 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,872 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,390 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Smyrna metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $110,833 (2019) to $133,443 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $140,390 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,557 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Smyrna 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) | $79,386 – $98,548 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,548 – $136,872 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,872 – $175,197 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $175,197 – $196,500 |
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 Smyrna
Employment opportunities for air traffic controllers in Smyrna are relatively limited, with only nine professionals currently in the field. This scarcity may enhance job security but also underscores the potential for competition among candidates. Given the lower cost of living, controllers can enjoy better purchasing power despite the lower salary compared to national averages. Local employers likely include FAA facilities, which may favor experienced controllers working in en route centers for their higher pay structures. Various factors contribute to the spread in compensation, including facility tier levels, certification status, shift differentials, and the frequency of overtime. Controllers looking to maximize their income should consider pursuing CPC certification and taking advantage of overtime opportunities while also being aware of staffing needs that may influence pay negotiations.
More salary data for Smyrna, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Smyrna?
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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 $133,443 for air traffic controllersin the Smyrna 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 Smyrna 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