Air Traffic Controller Salary in Tucker, GA: $134,348 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Tucker, GA earns a median $134,348/year (≈ $64.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Tucker's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $144,305 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tucker, Georgia, the air traffic controller salary is projected to reach a median of $134,348 in 2026. This figure falls approximately 11.55% below the national median, which is estimated at $151,886 for the same year. The local salary range extends from $77,922 at the 10th percentile to $187,548 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying levels of experience and certification among air traffic controllers in the area. As controllers progress through their training, they can expect a gradual increase in their pay, with the potential for more substantial earnings as they achieve Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status. With only eight air traffic controllers employed in Tucker, the local job market remains competitive and specialized, requiring individuals to be well-versed in the nuances of air traffic management.
About the Tucker Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,922 | $37.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $96,731 | $46.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,348 | $64.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $169,936 | $81.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $187,548 | $90.17 |
Median Salary Position
11.55% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tucker
In Tucker, GA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $109,626 (2026 est.). At $134,348, the local median is 11.55% below the national median of $151,886.
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At 40 hours/week in Tucker: You'd be above the median
How Tucker Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Tucker median: $134,348/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tucker Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $141,419 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -11.55% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Tucker, GA earn a median of $134,348 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.55% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.00% below the Georgia state average of $141,419.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tucker 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.
Tucker, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $134,348 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $144,305 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$108,789
2025 BLS Actual
$130,982
2026 Current Est.
$134,348
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Tucker (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $108,789 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,361 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,768 | Actual |
| 2022 | $116,980 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,517 | Actual |
| 2024 | $125,605 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,982 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,348 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,801 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tucker metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $108,789 (2019) to $130,982 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,801 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,012 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tucker 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) | $77,922 – $96,731 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $96,731 – $134,348 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,348 – $169,936 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $169,936 – $187,548 |
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 Tucker
The cost of living index in Tucker stands at 93.1, indicating that it is slightly below the national average. This scenario enhances the local purchasing power for air traffic controllers, allowing them to stretch their salaries further in the local economy. While Tucker may not have the same high-paying opportunities as major en route facilities, it is essential to understand which employers pay the most within the local market. Generally, FAA en route centers tend to offer higher salaries compared to terminal radar approach controls and airport traffic control towers. Factors contributing to pay variance include the facility level, CPC certification status, shift differentials, and abundant overtime opportunities that often arise due to staffing shortages in the sector. Maximizing pay in this unique Tucker market can involve seeking employment in facilities with a reputation for better compensation packages, as well as being flexible with shift assignments and embracing overtime work, ultimately paving the way for enhanced financial prospects.
More salary data for Tucker, 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 $130,982 for air traffic controllersin the Tucker 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 Tucker 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