Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Radford, VA: $86,952 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Radford, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $86,952 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Radford's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,256 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($149,917) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of air traffic control in Radford, Virginia, the starting air traffic controller salary is projected to be around $86,952 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $149,917, creating a gap of approximately $62,965. However, as entry-level controllers gain experience and advance their skills, they can expect to see upward movement in their pay: within a few years, reaching the 25th percentile may be realistic, where salaries rise to around $112,905. Given the projected growth rate of 2.57% annually, Radford appears to be a viable market for new graduates seeking a solid entry point into air traffic control, particularly with facilities like the local airport fostering opportunities for career growth.
About the Radford Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Radford
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Radford
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Radford, VA typically start between $86,952 and $112,905 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $112,836 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $149,917 — 1.3% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Virginia of $42,000 represents just 48.30% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($86,952/year) in Radford. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Radford
- 1Research the Radford market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $86,952 to $112,905, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in VA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Radford, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Radford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Radford's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Radford is $112,836 ( 129.77%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $86,952, experienced hygienists can earn up to $199,788.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$73,866
2025 BLS Actual
$84,773
2026 Current Est.
$86,952
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Radford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,866 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,654 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,703 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,552 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,362 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,292 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,773 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,952 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,186 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Radford, VA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $73,866 in 2019 to $84,773 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $89,186. New graduates entering the Radford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Radford metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your aviation Career in Radford
When considering employment opportunities, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the primary employer for new air traffic controllers in Radford. They recruit through public hiring announcements and partnerships with universities as part of the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI), targeting applicants under age 31, except for military veterans who have different pathways. Securing a position involves meeting several prerequisites, including US citizenship, a bachelor’s degree or significant work experience, and passing the FAA’s standardized aptitude test. New hires undergo a comprehensive training regimen at the FAA Academy, lasting three to five months, followed by facility-specific training which can take an additional one to three years to complete before achieving full certification as a Controller. Additionally, strategic career planning in the first few years can be crucial, as many facilities still face staffing shortages, allowing for overtime opportunities that can substantially boost earnings. Given the federal employee structure, salaries may escalate rapidly for those certified at high-demand locations, fostering a pathway to compensation far exceeding starting levels.
More salary data for Radford, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Radford in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Radford?
Is aviation school worth it in Radford?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Radford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Radford is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov