Transportation & Logistics Atlanta, GA Pop. 498,715

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Atlanta, Georgia

The median air traffic controller salary in Atlanta, GA is $140,128 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 9.7% above the Georgia state average.

City Median
$140,128
vs State Avg
+$12,365
vs National
+$2,748
Cost of Living
102%

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

Atlanta offers a median air traffic controller salary of $140,128, which is $12,365 above the Georgia state average of $127,763. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Atlanta pays above average for this role.

Atlanta's cost of living is 102% 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 Atlanta spans from $83,640 at the 10th percentile to $201,960 at the 90th percentile — a $118,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $86,700, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $193,800. With a population of 498,715, Atlanta is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Atlanta by Experience

In Atlanta, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $86,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$86,700
+$1,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$142,800
+$2,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$193,800
+$3,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Atlanta, GA

Percentile Atlanta
10th Percentile $83,640
25th Percentile $110,160
Median (50th) $140,128
75th Percentile $178,500
90th Percentile $201,960

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Georgia Cities

Savannah, GA
$126,390
Pop. 147,780
Athens, GA
$123,642
Pop. 127,064
Augusta, GA
$120,894
Pop. 202,081
Columbus, GA
$118,147
Pop. 206,922

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Atlanta

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Atlanta 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 Atlanta may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Atlanta

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Atlanta, GA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Atlanta

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Atlanta, GA? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Atlanta, Georgia is $140,128 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $83,640 (10th percentile) to $201,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Atlanta? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $140,128, a air traffic controller in Atlanta earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Atlanta compare to the Georgia state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Atlanta's median air traffic controller salary of $140,128 is 9.7% above the Georgia state average of $127,763. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Atlanta, GA? ▼
Atlanta has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $140,128 in Atlanta has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Atlanta? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Atlanta 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.