Air Traffic Controller Salary in Virginia
Based on 280+ workers in Virginia
Data year: 2025 · Last updated: October 2026
Median Annual Salary (VA)
$72,250
$34.74/hr
vs National Average
$56,947
+26.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$38K – $113K
280 employed in Virginia
Salary Distribution — Air Traffic Controller in Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,720 |
| 25th percentile | $40,160 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $72,250 |
| 75th percentile | $104,500 |
| 90th percentile | $113,230 |
Top-Paying Industries for Air Traffic Controller (U.S.)
Which industries pay Air Traffic Controllers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Air Traffic Controllers in Virginia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $103,820 | — |
| Manufacturing | $88,420 | 150 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $70,590 | 160 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $60,850 | 4K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $49,820 | 10K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Air Traffic Controller in Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $29,480 |
| 2023 | $38,550 |
| 2024 | $39,860 |
| 2025 | $72,250 |
| 2026 (projected) | $76,585 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Virginia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $29,480 | $53,742 |
| 2023 | $38,550 | $55,720 |
| 2024 | $39,860 | $55,556 |
| 2025 | $72,250 | $56,947 |
| 2026 (projected) | $76,585 | $60,364 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary by Experience Level in Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $40,160 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $72,250 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $104,500 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $113,230 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other States
Related Air Traffic Controller Salaries in Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in Virginia compare to Air Traffic Controller ($72,250 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Air Traffic Controller | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Supervisor in VA | $78,640 | +8.8% | $37.81/hr |
| Electrician in VA | $62,900 | -12.9% | $30.24/hr |
| Plumber in VA | $60,470 | -16.3% | $29.07/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in VA | $59,330 | -17.9% | $28.52/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in VA | $49,470 | -31.5% | $23.78/hr |
| Construction Laborer in VA | $43,560 | -39.7% | $20.94/hr |
| Graphic Designer in VA | $72,310 | +0.1% | $34.76/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in VA | $72,170 | -0.1% | $34.70/hr |
| Computer Network Support Specialist in VA | $76,760 | +6.2% | $36.90/hr |
| School Counselor in VA | $67,660 | -6.4% | $32.53/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in VA | $76,980 | +6.5% | $37.01/hr |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer in VA | $77,140 | +6.8% | $37.09/hr |