Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Ashburn, VA: $73.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Ashburn, VA runs $73.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $153,460 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Ashburn's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $92,076 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ashburn, Virginia, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly pay of $73.78, which is slightly higher than the national median of $73.02. This compensation translates into substantial earnings for professionals, particularly those who may work part-time schedules, such as three days a week. Working in various settings like en route centers and airport traffic control towers, controllers are equipped to manage complex air traffic landscapes from confined radar consoles to expansive control tower cabs. For entry-level positions in Ashburn, controllers can expect to earn around $42.79 per hour, while the top earners can make upwards of $107.76 per hour, contributing to the appeal of pursuing this career path in a region where air traffic is consistently active.
About the Ashburn 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) | $42.79 | $342.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.12 | $424.97 |
| Median (P50) | $73.78 | $590.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94.44 | $755.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107.76 | $862.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ashburn
Based on $73.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $73.78/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ashburn, VA can expect to earn approximately $153,459 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $88,534. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ashburn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ashburn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,951.14 | $12,788 | $153,459 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,770.69 | $7,673 | $92,076 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,180.46 | $5,115 | $61,384 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Ashburn) | $73.78 |
| 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 Ashburn, VA earn a median of $153,460 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.04% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.10% below the Virginia state average of $156,752.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $73.78/hr = $92,076/year (purchasing power: $89,221).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $153,459/year (purchasing power: $148,701).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$59.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$71.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$73.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Ashburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $71.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Ashburn grew 20.4% from $59.74/hr (2019) to $71.93/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $75.67/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 Ashburn 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 Ashburn
For those considering part-time opportunities, a schedule of working 24 hours per week translates to a take-home income that can significantly vary from full-time earnings, highlighting the flexibility of the role. Per diem air traffic controller pay in Ashburn also presents a unique opportunity, as many controllers, particularly in understaffed facilities, can work upwards of 50 to 60 hours weekly, often resulting in substantial overtime pay. Facilities such as FAA en route centers and TRACONs regularly need to fill open shifts, leading to negotiable compensation during training periods. Differences between employers can influence pay rates; FAA facilities might provide standard benefits that contractors do not. Some air traffic controllers might choose jobs with slightly lower pay if they come with health insurance, while others seek higher hourly rates. Negotiation in this context requires awareness of the local market and a strong grasp of the trade-offs associated with different job types in Ashburn.
More salary data for Ashburn, 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 Ashburn. 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 Ashburn 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