Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Evans, GA: $188,809 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Evans, GA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $188,809/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Evans's price premium (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $202,802 in average-cost America. The 38% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Evans, Georgia, experienced air traffic controllers can anticipate a median annual salary of $137,158 in 2026, with top earners reaching as high as $188,809. The pay spectrum for senior-level professionals reveals a significant gap; while the median reflects substantial compensation for seasoned controllers, the potential to earn over $188,000 demonstrates the premium placed on experience and advanced operational capabilities. Achieving such top-tier pay requires not only extensive experience—usually found among those with over seven years in the field—but also specialization in sectors that command higher compensation. Controllers with expertise in en route and radar operations often see the largest financial rewards, highlighting the competitive nature of the role in the region.
About the Evans Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Evans
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Evans earn between $171,453 and $188,809 per year (2026 est.). This $108,343 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Evans median of $137,158 sits 9.7% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Evans | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $137,158 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,453 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $188,809 | $221,151 |
In Evans, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 37.66% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Evans
Advanced Certifications in Georgia
GA air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $137,158 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Evans employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Evans command premium compensation, often reaching the $171,453–$188,809 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Evans 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 Evans 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 Evans
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedEvans ranks #35 of 39 Georgia cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $188,809).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Evans ($188,809) is 13.15% below the Georgia average P90 ($217,401).
2019 BLS Actual
$150,534
2025 BLS Actual
$184,078
2026 Current Est.
$188,809
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Evans (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $150,534 | Actual |
| 2020 | $157,757 | Actual |
| 2021 | $158,790 | Actual |
| 2022 | $162,043 | Actual |
| 2023 | $171,596 | Actual |
| 2024 | $176,431 | Actual |
| 2025 | $184,078 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $188,809 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $193,661 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Evans saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $150,534 in 2019 to $184,078 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 $193,661 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evans 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 Evans
Compensation for senior air traffic controllers in Evans varies depending on specialization and the type of employer. For instance, professionals working in FAA en route centers, handling high-altitude traffic, typically experience the highest compensation tiers, while those in terminal radar approach control facilities or airport traffic control towers may have different pay scales. Each position within the FAA has a defined hierarchy, with advancement opportunities leading from developmental controller to certified professional controller and beyond. Holding advanced certifications can significantly enhance salary potential, particularly when combined with strategic career moves—like transitioning from military ATC roles to FAA positions. Additionally, factors such as shift differentials and overtime, fueled by the chronic understaffing in the industry, contribute to earning potential, especially as controllers operate under the pressures of mandatory retirement at age 56. In this context, experienced air traffic controller salary in Evans reflects not just base pay but a comprehensive package that values skill and expertise in the air traffic control environment.
More salary data for Evans, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Evans in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Evans?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Evans?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Evans?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Evans?
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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 $184,078 for air traffic controllers in the Evans 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 Evans 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