Air Traffic Controller Salary in Dalton, GA: $136,478 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Dalton, GA earns a median $136,478/year (≈ $65.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Dalton's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $146,593 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controller salaries in Dalton, Georgia, are projected to offer a median annual compensation of $136,478. This figure reflects local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, which indicates a broad salary range from $79,527 at the 10th percentile to $186,559 at the 90th percentile. While these figures may initially seem moderate when compared to the national median of $151,886, it's essential to consider the overtime economics often prevalent in the industry. Controllers frequently work 50-60 hour weeks, particularly in understaffed facilities, which can significantly inflate effective earnings. As a result, the financial landscape for air traffic controller pay in Dalton showcases an intriguing balance of market demand and regional nuances.
About the Dalton Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,527 | $38.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,477 | $48.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,478 | $65.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $169,803 | $81.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $186,559 | $89.69 |
Median Salary Position
10.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dalton
In Dalton, GA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $107,032 (2026 est.). At $136,478, the local median is 10.14% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dalton: You'd be above the median
How Dalton Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Dalton median: $136,478/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dalton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $141,428 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -10.14% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Dalton, GA earn a median of $136,478 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.14% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.50% below the Georgia state average of $141,428.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dalton has a cost of living 6.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dalton, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $136,478 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $146,593 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$110,513
2025 BLS Actual
$133,058
2026 Current Est.
$136,478
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Dalton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,513 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,190 | Actual |
| 2021 | $116,587 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,834 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,443 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,595 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,058 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,478 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $139,985 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dalton metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $110,513 (2019) to $133,058 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $139,985 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,472 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dalton 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $79,527 – $100,477 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,477 – $136,478 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,478 – $169,803 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $169,803 – $186,559 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Dalton
The job market for air traffic controllers in Dalton remains relatively small, with just seven employed in the area. This scarcity can translate into opportunities, particularly as analysts project a 2.57% annual growth rate in this field. The cost of living in Dalton is notably lower, with a cost-of-living index of 93.1, which positively affects take-home purchasing power. In terms of compensation, FAA facilities such as terminal radar approach controls (TRACONs) typically offer better pay compared to tower facilities, with en route centers generally providing the highest salaries. Factors such as facility tier levels, CPC certification status, and overtime opportunities can lead to substantial variations in pay. Controllers aiming to maximize their earnings in Dalton should be proactive about seeking positions in higher-tier facilities and exploring shift differentials, which can substantially increase compensation.
More salary data for Dalton, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $133,058 for air traffic controllersin the Dalton metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dalton 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