Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Statesboro, GA: $199,243 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of air traffic controllers working in Statesboro, GA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $199,243/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 53-2021. Strip back Statesboro's price premium (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $214,010 in average-cost America. The 42% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, senior air traffic controllers in Statesboro, Georgia, can expect a median annual salary of $140,262, with top earners potentially reaching up to $199,243. This salary landscape reveals a significant gap between the median and the highest pay tier, indicating that seasoned professionals—those with over seven years of experience—can command substantial compensation. Achieving top-tier status in this market typically requires specialized training, advanced certifications, and a proven track record of performance in high-pressure environments. The potential for advanced career moves, including management roles and specialized positions, further enhances earning potential in the field of air traffic control.
About the Statesboro Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Statesboro
Experienced air traffic controllers at the top of the pay scale in Statesboro earn between $179,087 and $199,243 per year (2026 est.). This $117,891 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Statesboro median of $140,262 sits 7.65% below the US median.
Top ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Statesboro | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $140,262 | $151,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $179,087 | $195,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $199,243 | $221,151 |
In Statesboro, experienced air traffic controllers (P90) earn 42.05% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Air Traffic Controller Pay in Statesboro
Advanced Certifications in Georgia
GA air traffic controllers with additional specialty certifications within the aviation field earn significantly above the $140,262 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Statesboro employers.
Specialty Focus
Air Traffic Controllers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the aviation field in Statesboro command premium compensation, often reaching the $179,087–$199,243 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Statesboro metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced air traffic controllers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured air traffic controllers in Statesboro with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Air Traffic Controllers in Georgia who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Air Traffic Controller Career & Wage Growth Path in Statesboro
Clinical Air Traffic Controller
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Air Traffic Controller
5-10 yearsAir Traffic Controller Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedStatesboro ranks #16 of 39 Georgia cities for top earner air traffic controller salary (90th percentile: $199,243).
Top 10% air traffic controller compensation in Statesboro ($199,243) is 8.35% below the Georgia average P90 ($217,401).
2019 BLS Actual
$158,853
2025 BLS Actual
$194,251
2026 Current Est.
$199,243
2019–2027 Growth
+28.6%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Statesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $158,853 | Actual |
| 2020 | $166,475 | Actual |
| 2021 | $167,565 | Actual |
| 2022 | $170,998 | Actual |
| 2023 | $181,079 | Actual |
| 2024 | $186,185 | Actual |
| 2025 | $194,251 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $199,243 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $204,364 | Projected |
Top-earning air traffic controllers (90th percentile) in Statesboro saw their compensation grow 22.3% from $158,853 in 2019 to $194,251 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.57% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $204,364 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Statesboro 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.
Maximizing Your Air Traffic Controller Earnings in Statesboro
A range of specializations within air traffic control can lead to premium pay opportunities in Statesboro. Positions that command higher salaries include en route operations and radar traffic management, as well as military ATC roles. Additionally, FAA en route centers (ARTCCs) and terminal radar approach control (TRACON) facilities generally offer higher compensation than airport traffic control towers. Advancement paths are structured, allowing professionals to progress from developmental controllers to certified professional controllers (CPC) and beyond, with opportunities for traffic management coordinators and supervisory roles. Completing the Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy and obtaining specialized credentials not only enhance a controller's skills but also lead to increased pay prospects. Non-salary compensation factors, such as locality pay adjustments, shift differentials, and abundant overtime opportunities, also play a crucial role in total earnings for senior controllers in GA, making the experienced air traffic controller salary in Statesboro competitive within the broader market.
More salary data for Statesboro, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced air traffic controllers make in Statesboro in 2026?
What drives higher air traffic controller pay in Statesboro?
What certifications boost air traffic controller salary in Statesboro?
Can experienced air traffic controllers make six figures in Statesboro?
How much does air traffic controller salary increase over time in Statesboro?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Georgia
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $194,251 for air traffic controllers in the Statesboro metro area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Statesboro 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