Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Chesapeake, VA: $59.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Chesapeake, VA runs $59.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $122,769 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Chesapeake's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,655 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chesapeake, Virginia, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $59.02, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02. For those working part-time at three days a week, this translates to approximately $46,230 annually, allowing for a flexible work-life balance while participating in a demanding position. These professionals typically operate from various settings, including EN Route centers and airport control towers, overseeing aircraft movements in crucial environments. Hourly compensation ranges from $34.24 for entry-level positions to $91.48 for more experienced controllers, reflecting the escalating responsibilities as one advances in their career. Given the dynamic nature of this job, per-diem positions also offer viable options for flexibility without full-time commitments, with pay generally aligning with these hourly rates.
About the Chesapeake 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) | $34.24 | $273.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.49 | $339.96 |
| Median (P50) | $59.02 | $472.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.55 | $604.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.48 | $731.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chesapeake
Based on $59.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.02/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chesapeake, VA can expect to earn approximately $122,759 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,823. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chesapeake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chesapeake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,360.75 | $10,230 | $122,759 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,416.45 | $6,138 | $73,655 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $944.30 | $4,092 | $49,104 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Chesapeake) | $59.02 |
| 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 Chesapeake, VA earn a median of $122,769 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.17% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 21.70% below the Virginia state average of $156,793.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.02/hr = $73,655/year (purchasing power: $71,372).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $122,759/year (purchasing power: $118,953).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$47.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Chesapeake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Chesapeake grew 20.4% from $47.79/hr (2019) to $57.54/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.54/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 Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake
Evaluating the earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers in Chesapeake reveals an appealing aspect of the profession. A controller working reduced hours may take home around $46,230 each year, not accounting for potential overtime, which can significantly impact earnings. Controllers are often called to fill staffing gaps at understaffed facilities, leading many to work overtime hours at 1.5 times their base pay, resulting in total compensation exceeding $100,000 for active professionals. The hourly pay may also differ depending on the employer type—FAA en route centers and TRACON facilities tend to offer better hourly rates than smaller contract tower operations. Some controllers may choose positions with lower pay but better benefits such as health insurance, opting for consistent income over the potential for higher hourly pay in agency roles. Negotiating hourly rates can be vital, especially in Chesapeake, where local market demands and facility staffing needs shape compensation discussions for air traffic controller positions.
More salary data for Chesapeake, 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 Chesapeake. 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 Chesapeake 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