Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Alexandria, VA: $85.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Alexandria, VA runs $85.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $177,850 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Alexandria's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $82.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $106,707 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Alexandria, Virginia, air traffic controllers command a competitive hourly rate of $85.50, significantly higher than the national median of $73.02. This robust compensation reflects not only the skills required for the role but also the geographical cost of living, which stands at a slightly above-average index of 103.2. For those in part-time positions, working a typical three-day week of 24 hours can translate to substantial earnings, especially when considering the vibrant environment of control centers tasked with managing aircraft near one of the nation's busiest regions. Additionally, the hourly range for air traffic controllers in Alexandria spans from $49.59 for entry-level positions to $127.63 for top earners, indicating a strong potential for career advancement. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, highlight the significant opportunities available for controllers in various settings, such as airport traffic control towers and TRACON facilities, enhancing the appeal of air traffic controller hourly pay in Alexandria.
About the Alexandria Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49.59 | $396.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.56 | $492.50 |
| Median (P50) | $85.50 | $684.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109.44 | $875.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $127.63 | $1021.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alexandria
Based on $85.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $85.50/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alexandria, VA can expect to earn approximately $177,845 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $102,603. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Alexandria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alexandria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,420.09 | $14,820 | $177,845 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,052.06 | $8,892 | $106,707 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,368.04 | $5,928 | $71,138 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Alexandria) | $85.50 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Alexandria, VA earn a median of $177,850 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.09% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 13.50% above the Virginia state average of $156,696.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $85.50/hr = $106,707/year (purchasing power: $103,398).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $177,845/year (purchasing power: $172,330).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$69.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$83.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$85.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $73.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $73.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $74.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $77.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $70.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $83.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Alexandria grew 20.4% from $69.24/hr (2019) to $83.36/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $87.70/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alexandria 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Alexandria
Part-time air traffic controllers in Alexandria can realistically expect annual earnings that differ significantly from their full-time counterparts. With an estimated $85.50 per hour, a three-day workweek nets about $106,560 in annual pay. However, many controllers often find themselves working much more than the standard hours, as chronic staffing shortages have compelled numerous civilian controllers to take on overtime shifts, sometimes exceeding 50-60 hours per week. This overtime pay at 1.5 times the base rate can dramatically elevate total compensation, where an efficient controller can easily surpass six figures, even if only working part-time. The array of employer types available—ranging from FAA en route centers to contract towers—adds diversity to the potential hourly compensation. While some may opt for higher pay at facilities with fewer benefits, others appreciate the stability of federal employee health insurance, allowing for a pragmatic approach to salary negotiation. Given the specific dynamics of the air traffic controller hourly rate in VA, controllers are encouraged to remain aware of their value in this competitive field.
More salary data for Alexandria, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Alexandria. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alexandria 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