Roanoke vs Suffolk: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Roanoke, VA and Suffolk, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roanoke, VA | Suffolk, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $155,407▲ | $154,118 |
| Hourly Rate | $74.71▲ | $74.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,136▲ | $89,388 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,893▲ | $111,407 |
| 75th Percentile | $198,921▲ | $194,590 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $228,813 | $231,638▲ |
| Total Employed | 16▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Roanoke, VA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Suffolk.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Suffolk is $1,289 (0.84%). Roanoke's median is +2.32% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Roanoke spans $138,677,Suffolk spans $142,250. Suffolk 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, Roanoke ($150,588 effective) pays 0.84% more than Suffolk ($149,339 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($155,407/year)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,588)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Suffolk if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($231,638)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Roanoke grew 4.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.3% growth in Suffolk over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$145,292 (2024) → $151,513 (2025)
Suffolk, VA
$144,086 (2024) → $150,256 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Suffolk, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Roanoke or Suffolk?
What is the hourly rate difference between Roanoke and Suffolk?
Should I relocate from Roanoke to Suffolk as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Roanoke vs Suffolk?
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