Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Roanoke, VA: $90,136 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Roanoke, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $90,136 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Roanoke's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $87,341 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($155,407) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, recent graduates stepping into an air traffic controller role in Roanoke, Virginia, can expect a starting air traffic controller salary of around $90,136. While this initial figure may seem modest compared to the area's median annual salary of $155,407, it holds significant potential for growth as new professionals gain experience. Over the course of three to five years, entry-level controllers often progress through salary percentiles, moving towards the 25th percentile at $111,893, and eventually aligning closer to the city median. Given the 2.57% annual growth rate projected in the field, Roanoke presents a promising job market for aspiring controllers who are eager to begin their careers in air traffic management.
About the Roanoke Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Roanoke
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 Roanoke
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Roanoke, VA typically start between $90,136 and $111,893 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $138,677 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $155,407 — 2.32% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Virginia of $42,000 represents just 46.60% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($90,136/year) in Roanoke. 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 Roanoke
- 1Research the Roanoke market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $90,136 to $111,893, 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 Roanoke, 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 Roanoke for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Roanoke'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 Roanoke is $138,677 ( 153.85%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $90,136, experienced hygienists can earn up to $228,813.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$76,571
2025 BLS Actual
$87,878
2026 Current Est.
$90,136
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Roanoke (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,571 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,535 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,549 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,465 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,379 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,269 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,878 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,136 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,453 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Roanoke, VA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $76,571 in 2019 to $87,878 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $92,453. New graduates entering the Roanoke job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Roanoke 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 Roanoke
Companies that actively recruit new grads in this profession include the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which employs entry-level controllers through various hiring methods, such as public bid windows and the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program. Applicants must meet strict criteria, including being under age 31 or qualifying as military veterans with a streamlined path to employment. To enhance their starting pay in Virginia, candidates should focus on obtaining the required credentials: U.S. citizenship, relevant education, and a successful score on the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). After about 3-5 months of Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy and additional facility-specific training, controllers can work toward achieving their full Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status over a period that may extend to 1-3 years. Such strategic planning during the first few years can lead to substantial increases in pay, especially as controllers move into high-demand facilities, benefitting from overtime opportunities amidst the ongoing staffing shortages in the field.
More salary data for Roanoke, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Roanoke in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Roanoke?
Is aviation school worth it in Roanoke?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Roanoke?
How do I become a air traffic controller in Virginia?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 Roanoke. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Roanoke 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