Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Cartersville, GA: $178,443 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Cartersville, GA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $178,443/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Cartersville's price premium (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $191,668 in average-cost America. The 32% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, seasoned air traffic controllers in Cartersville, Georgia, can anticipate salaries that reflect their extensive experience and critical responsibilities within the aviation sector. The top earners in this position, representing the 90th percentile (P90), are projected to pull in $178,443, showcasing the earning potential associated with senior roles in air traffic control. This figure highlights a significant gap between the median annual salary of $134,691 for this region, emphasizing the rewards for professionals who have amassed over seven years of experience. Achieving this premium compensation generally involves advanced specializations and leadership roles, positioning these experienced controllers as indispensable assets toward maintaining safe and efficient air traffic operations in the busy airspace.
About the Cartersville Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cartersville
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Cartersville earn between $164,981 and $178,443 per year (2026 est.). This $100,323 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cartersville median of $134,691 sits 11.32% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Cartersville | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $134,691 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,981 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $178,443 | $221,151 |
In Cartersville, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 32.48% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Cartersville
Advanced Certifications in Georgia
GA air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $134,691 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cartersville employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Cartersville command premium compensation, often reaching the $164,981–$178,443 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cartersville metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Cartersville with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Air Traffic Controllers in Georgia who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Cartersville
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCartersville ranks #39 of 39 Georgia cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $178,443).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Cartersville ($178,443) is 17.92% below the Georgia average P90 ($217,401).
2019 BLS Actual
$142,270
2025 BLS Actual
$173,972
2026 Current Est.
$178,443
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Cartersville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $142,270 | Actual |
| 2020 | $149,096 | Actual |
| 2021 | $150,072 | Actual |
| 2022 | $153,146 | Actual |
| 2023 | $162,175 | Actual |
| 2024 | $166,745 | Actual |
| 2025 | $173,972 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $178,443 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $183,029 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Cartersville saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $142,270 in 2019 to $173,972 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $183,029 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cartersville 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.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Cartersville
Compensation for experienced air traffic controllers in Cartersville varies significantly based on specialization and employer type. Those in en route and radar facilities often command the highest salaries, capitalizing on the complexities associated with managing high-altitude and high-density air traffic. Other lucrative specializations include terminal radar approach control (TRACON) and military control services, with additional opportunities for advancement into roles such as traffic management coordinator (TMC) or operations supervisor. Employment with the FAA, especially within en route centers, typically offers better pay compared to contract or smaller airport positions. To excel and advance in this field, controllers can follow a structured career path, moving from developmental controller to certified professional controller (CPC), and ultimately to managerial positions at various facility levels. With the regulatory landscape necessitating citizenship and a rigorous qualification process, including recurrent medical evaluations and training, the commitment to professional development is paramount for those aiming for the top air traffic controller salary in Cartersville, GA.
More salary data for Cartersville, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Cartersville in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Cartersville?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Cartersville?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Cartersville?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Cartersville?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $173,972 for air traffic controllers in the Cartersville metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cartersville 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