Virginia Beach vs Woodbridge: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Virginia Beach, VA and Woodbridge, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Virginia Beach, VA | Woodbridge, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $122,294 | $150,688▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $58.79 | $72.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,918 | $87,399▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $104,498 | $110,218▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $134,069 | $186,785▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $152,522 | $219,455▲ |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Woodbridge, VA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Virginia Beach and Woodbridge is $28,394 (23.22%). Woodbridge's median is -0.79% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Virginia Beach spans $65,604,Woodbridge spans $132,056. Woodbridge 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, Woodbridge ($146,016 effective) pays 16.94% 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 Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Woodbridge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($150,688/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($219,455)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,016)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Virginia Beach grew 29.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.3% growth in Woodbridge over the same period.
Virginia Beach, VA
$92,020 (2019) → $119,230 (2025)
Woodbridge, VA
$140,880 (2024) → $146,912 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Virginia Beach, VA
Woodbridge, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Virginia Beach or Woodbridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Virginia Beach and Woodbridge?
Should I relocate from Virginia Beach to Woodbridge as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Virginia Beach vs Woodbridge?
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