Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Pooler, GA: $67.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Pooler, GA runs $67.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $139,692 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Pooler's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $72.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,819 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pooler, Georgia, air traffic controllers can expect a median hourly pay of $67.16, which falls below the national median of $73.02. This compensation permits individuals working part-time—typically three days a week—to maintain a stable income while balancing other commitments. For instance, those working in various environments, such as en route centers, TRACON facilities, or airport towers, can enjoy a dynamic work setting even as they structure their hours to fit their lifestyle. The hourly pay range allows for considerable variation, with entry-level positions earning approximately $38.96 and top earners in specialized roles reaching $92.31. These hourly estimates are derived from annual salary data, making them especially relevant for those seeking to understand the immediate financial implications of this career path.
About the Pooler Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.96 | $311.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.87 | $398.96 |
| Median (P50) | $67.16 | $537.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.08 | $672.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.31 | $738.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pooler
Based on $67.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.16/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pooler, GA can expect to earn approximately $139,699 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,595. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pooler.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pooler
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,686.51 | $11,642 | $139,699 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,611.91 | $6,985 | $83,819 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,074.61 | $4,657 | $55,879 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Pooler) | $67.16 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Pooler, GA earn a median of $139,692 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.03% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.20% below the Georgia state average of $141,389.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.16/hr = $83,819/year (purchasing power: $90,031).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $139,699/year (purchasing power: $150,052).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$54.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Pooler (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $57.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Pooler grew 20.4% from $54.39/hr (2019) to $65.48/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.89/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pooler 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Pooler
For someone working part-time as an air traffic controller in Pooler, the financial landscape offers intriguing possibilities. A controller working 24 hours a week could expect to earn around $83,144 annually, a respectable sum compared to full-time earnings. Additionally, controllers often enjoy the flexibility of per-diem work arrangements through temporary agencies, which can significantly enhance overall compensation due to the possibility of earning overtime at 1.5 times the base rate. This is particularly relevant given the chronic understaffing in FAA facilities, where controllers commonly work extended hours, accumulating substantial yearly overtime pay that can reach upwards of $100,000. The difference in pay across employer types, such as FAA en route centers versus contract towers, can impact long-term benefits and overall compensation structures, making negotiation skills essential in this market. Many controllers may choose positions that offer benefits like health insurance versus seeking higher hourly pay without those perks, reflecting a broader trend in the industry. Understanding these dynamics can equip aspiring air traffic controllers in Pooler to make informed career decisions.
More salary data for Pooler, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Pooler. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pooler 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