Reston vs Virginia Beach: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Reston, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Reston, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $153,286▲ | $122,294 |
| Hourly Rate | $73.70▲ | $58.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,906▲ | $86,918 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,365▲ | $104,498 |
| 75th Percentile | $196,206▲ | $134,069 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $223,153▲ | $152,522 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 90▲ |
Verdict
Reston, VA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Reston and Virginia Beach is $30,992 (25.34%). Reston's median is +0.92% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Reston spans $134,247,Virginia Beach spans $65,604. Reston 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, Reston ($148,533 effective) pays 18.95% more than Virginia Beach ($124,865 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Reston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($153,286/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($223,153)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,533)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Reston grew 4.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.6% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Reston, VA
$143,309 (2024) → $149,445 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$92,020 (2019) → $119,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Reston, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Reston or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Reston and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Reston to Virginia Beach as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Reston vs Virginia Beach?
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