Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Danville, VA: $73.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Danville, VA runs $73.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $153,254 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Danville's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $91,948 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Danville, Virginia, the air traffic controller hourly pay is projected to be $73.68 in 2026, positioning it slightly above the national median of $73.02. This wage allows for a comfortable income for those working part-time, with a typical schedule of three days a week amounting to around 24 hours. For per-diem air traffic controllers, opportunities to supplement their income can be found in various settings, including en route centers, TRACON radar facilities, and airport control towers. The hourly pay can range significantly, with entry-level controllers earning approximately $42.73 and more experienced professionals reaching up to $102.39. It's essential to keep in mind that these hourly rates are informed by projected annual salaries, reflecting the financial potential within this specialized field in Danville.
About the Danville 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) | $42.73 | $341.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.05 | $424.39 |
| Median (P50) | $73.68 | $589.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92.91 | $743.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.39 | $819.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Danville
Based on $73.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $73.68/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Danville, VA can expect to earn approximately $153,246 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $88,411. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Danville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Danville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,947.04 | $12,771 | $153,246 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,768.22 | $7,662 | $91,948 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,178.82 | $5,108 | $61,298 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Danville) | $73.68 |
| 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 Danville, VA earn a median of $153,254 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.90% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.20% below the Virginia state average of $156,701.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $73.68/hr = $91,948/year (purchasing power: $89,097).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $153,246/year (purchasing power: $148,494).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$59.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$71.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$73.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Danville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $71.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Danville grew 20.4% from $59.66/hr (2019) to $71.83/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $75.57/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 Danville 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 Danville
Examining the earning potential for part-time air traffic controllers reveals that working a 3-day week results in a take-home pay significantly less than their full-time counterparts, ultimately yielding around $42,400 annually if strictly part-time. Many air traffic controllers find themselves working over the typical 40-hour week, with some putting in 50-60 hours frequently in understaffed environments. This results in extraordinary earning potential from overtime, as controllers can expect 1.5x their base hourly rate, leading to possible annual compensation exceeding $200,000 due to added shifts and training opportunities. In Danville, hourly rates can differ based on the employer, whether it’s FAA en route centers or contract towers. Additionally, while some controllers might choose roles with higher hourly pay but fewer benefits, many others prefer positions that provide health insurance and stable benefits despite a lower rate. For those negotiating their compensation, understanding the distinctions between different facility types and leveraging offers to secure better overall packages is crucial.
More salary data for Danville, 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 Danville. 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 Danville 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