Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Harrisonburg, VA: $74.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Harrisonburg, VA runs $74.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $154,465 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Harrisonburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $92,677 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Harrisonburg, Virginia, the hourly pay for air traffic controllers is projected to be $74.26 in 2026, higher than the national median of $73.02 per hour. This competitive rate offers various earning possibilities for part-time controllers or those working per diem shifts, particularly in the distinct environments of en route centers, TRACON facilities, and airport control towers. Entry-level positions can expect to start around $43.07 per hour, while the most experienced controllers might earn as much as $109.43 per hour. Given that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, they reflect a market where controllers are in demand, appealing to both prospective employees and those seeking flexible work arrangements in this critical profession.
About the Harrisonburg 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) | $43.07 | $344.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.88 | $431.04 |
| Median (P50) | $74.26 | $594.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95.05 | $760.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.43 | $875.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Harrisonburg
Based on $74.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $74.26/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Harrisonburg, VA can expect to earn approximately $154,462 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $89,113. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Harrisonburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Harrisonburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,970.43 | $12,872 | $154,462 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,782.26 | $7,723 | $92,677 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,188.17 | $5,149 | $61,785 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Harrisonburg) | $74.26 |
| 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 Harrisonburg, VA earn a median of $154,465 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.70% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.50% below the Virginia state average of $156,818.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $74.26/hr = $92,677/year (purchasing power: $89,804).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $154,462/year (purchasing power: $149,673).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$60.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$72.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$74.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Harrisonburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $72.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Harrisonburg grew 20.4% from $60.13/hr (2019) to $72.40/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $76.17/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 Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg
Considering the earning potential for part-time controllers working three days a week, the annual take-home pay can still be substantial, albeit less than full-time counterparts. Controllers often find themselves in positions that require overtime — which can inflate their effective hourly compensation beyond typical rates, with many working upwards of 50-60 hours weekly. In Harrisonburg, the compensation landscape varies significantly between employers, including FAA facilities, military air traffic control, and contract towers. Some may opt for positions with lower hourly wages for the accompanying benefits, while others prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiating within this context is crucial; understanding the unique needs of employers can lead to better hourly rates tailored to individual circumstances, whether for full-time or per diem air traffic controller pay in Harrisonburg.
More salary data for Harrisonburg, 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 Harrisonburg. 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 Harrisonburg 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