Beckley vs Huntington: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Beckley, WV and Huntington, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Beckley, WV | Huntington, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,100 | $121,169▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $55.82 | $58.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,037 | $70,278▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,263 | $90,292▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $141,842 | $155,096▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,575 | $174,830▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 7▲ |
Verdict
Huntington, WV offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Beckley.
The salary gap between Beckley and Huntington is $5,069 (4.37%). Huntington's median is -20.22% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Beckley spans $94,538,Huntington spans $104,552. Huntington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Huntington ($140,080 effective) pays 4.37% more than Beckley ($134,220 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Beckley if…
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Huntington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($121,169/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,830)
- ✓Larger job market (7 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,080)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Beckley grew 22.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.1% growth in Huntington over the same period.
Beckley, WV
$92,672 (2024) → $113,191 (2025)
Huntington, WV
$96,718 (2024) → $118,133 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Beckley, WV
Huntington, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Beckley or Huntington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Beckley and Huntington?
Should I relocate from Beckley to Huntington as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Beckley vs Huntington?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov