Air Traffic Controller Salary in Savannah, GA: $142,037 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Savannah, GA earns a median $142,037/year (≈ $68.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Savannah's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $152,564 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controller salaries in Savannah, Georgia reflect the significant investment in certification and training, typically taking one to three years to reach full pay after obtaining CPC status. In 2026, the projected median annual salary for controllers in this city reaches $142,037, just below the national median of $151,886. The salary range is notably wide, spanning from $82,381 at the 10th percentile to $204,028 at the 90th percentile, indicating diverse pay scales based on experience, certification level, and facility type. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, reflecting both state-level economic conditions and local cost adjustments. As demand for skilled controllers in Savannah remains strong, those entering the field can anticipate a robust earning potential over time.
About the Savannah Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,381 | $39.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $102,266 | $49.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $142,037 | $68.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $181,135 | $87.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $204,028 | $98.09 |
Median Salary Position
6.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Savannah
In Savannah, GA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $121,647 (2026 est.). At $142,037, the local median is 6.48% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Savannah: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Savannah Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Savannah median: $142,037/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Savannah Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $141,471 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | -6.48% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Savannah, GA earn a median of $142,037 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.48% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 0.40% above the Georgia state average of $141,471.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Savannah 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.
Savannah, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $142,037 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $152,564 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$97,290
2025 BLS Actual
$138,478
2026 Current Est.
$142,037
2019–2027 Growth
+49.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Savannah (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $97,290 | Actual |
| 2020 | $121,963 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,337 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,674 | Actual |
| 2023 | $106,910 | Actual |
| 2024 | $116,830 | Actual |
| 2025 | $138,478 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $142,037 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145,687 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Savannah metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 42.3% from $97,290 (2019) to $138,478 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $145,687 by 2027 — a total increase of $48,397 (49.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Savannah 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) | $82,381 – $102,266 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $102,266 – $142,037 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $142,037 – $181,135 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $181,135 – $204,028 |
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 Savannah
Within Savannah's job market, there are currently 36 air traffic controllers contributing to the local economy. The cost of living index in the area stands at 93.1, suggesting that purchasing power may be more favorable for controllers compared to national averages. Employers in the region typically include FAA terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities and airport traffic control towers, which tend to pay less than en route centers but may offer a more balanced work-life situation. The wide variance in salaries, influenced by factors such as facility type, experience, and shift differentials, can significantly affect take-home pay. Strategies for maximizing compensation include pursuing advanced certifications, seeking en route positions, and capitalizing on overtime opportunities. By understanding the local market and leveraging their skills, air traffic controllers in Savannah, GA can navigate their careers toward greater financial success.
More salary data for Savannah, 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 $138,478 for air traffic controllersin the Savannah 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 Savannah 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