Transportation & Logistics Athens, GA Pop. 127,064

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Athens, Georgia

The median air traffic controller salary in Athens, GA is $123,642 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 3.2% below the Georgia state average.

City Median
$123,642
vs State Avg
$-4,121
vs National
$-13,738
Cost of Living
90%

Air Traffic Controller Pay in Athens: What to Expect (2026)

Athens offers a median air traffic controller salary of $123,642, which is $4,121 below the Georgia state average of $127,763. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Athens pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Athens's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Athens spans from $73,800 at the 10th percentile to $178,200 at the 90th percentile — a $104,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,500, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $171,000. With a population of 127,064, Athens is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Athens by Experience

In Athens, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $76,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $171,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,500
$-8,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$126,000
$-14,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$171,000
$-19,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Athens, GA

Percentile Athens
10th Percentile $73,800
25th Percentile $97,200
Median (50th) $123,642
75th Percentile $157,500
90th Percentile $178,200

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Georgia Cities

Atlanta, GA
$140,128
Pop. 498,715
Savannah, GA
$126,390
Pop. 147,780
Augusta, GA
$120,894
Pop. 202,081
Columbus, GA
$118,147
Pop. 206,922

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Athens

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Athens and the surrounding Georgia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Radar SystemsCommunicationDecision MakingStress ManagementFAA RegulationsSituational Awareness

Job Outlook

Nationally, air traffic controller employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Athens may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Athens

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Athens, GA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Athens

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Athens, GA? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Athens, Georgia is $123,642 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $73,800 (10th percentile) to $178,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Athens? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $123,642, a air traffic controller in Athens earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Athens compare to the Georgia state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Athens's median air traffic controller salary of $123,642 is 3.2% below the Georgia state average of $127,763. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Athens, GA? ▼
Athens has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $123,642 in Athens has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Athens? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Athens require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Radar Systems, Communication, Decision Making, Stress Management. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.