Huntington vs Weirton: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Huntington, WV and Weirton, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Huntington, WV | Weirton, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $121,169▲ | $118,096 |
| Hourly Rate | $58.25▲ | $56.77 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,278▲ | $68,495 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,292▲ | $85,030 |
| 75th Percentile | $155,096▲ | $144,115 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,830▲ | $166,120 |
| Total Employed | 7▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Huntington, WV offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Weirton.
The salary gap between Huntington and Weirton is $3,073 (2.60%). 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 Huntington spans $104,552,Weirton spans $97,625. Huntington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Huntington ($140,080 effective) pays 2.60% more than Weirton ($136,527 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Weirton if…
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Huntington grew 22.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.1% growth in Weirton over the same period.
Huntington, WV
$96,718 (2024) → $118,133 (2025)
Weirton, WV
$94,266 (2024) → $115,137 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Huntington, WV
Weirton, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Huntington or Weirton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Huntington and Weirton?
Should I relocate from Huntington to Weirton as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Huntington vs Weirton?
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