Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Lake Ridge, VA: $72.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Lake Ridge, VA runs $72.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $150,201 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Lake Ridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $69.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $90,117 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lake Ridge, Virginia, the air traffic controller hourly pay is projected to be $72.21 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $73.02 per hour. This hourly rate can support a variety of working arrangements, including full-time, part-time, and per-diem positions across different operational environments. Controllers typically work in settings like en route center radar consoles, TRACON radar facilities, and airport control tower cabs. For those pursuing part-time roles, working three days a week could mean a stable income stream with flexibility. The hourly earnings range from $41.88 for entry-level positions to $101.99 for those at the top of their field, providing a good spectrum for professionals with varying experience levels. These figures are derived from annual salary data, yet they reflect the unique demands of air traffic control in a busy environment such as Lake Ridge.
About the Lake Ridge 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) | $41.88 | $335.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.99 | $415.94 |
| Median (P50) | $72.21 | $577.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92.06 | $736.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.99 | $815.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Ridge
Based on $72.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $72.21/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Ridge, VA can expect to earn approximately $150,195 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $86,651. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Ridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Ridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,888.37 | $12,516 | $150,195 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,733.02 | $7,510 | $90,117 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,155.35 | $5,007 | $60,078 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Lake Ridge) | $72.21 |
| 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 Lake Ridge, VA earn a median of $150,201 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.11% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.20% below the Virginia state average of $156,786.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $72.21/hr = $90,117/year (purchasing power: $87,323).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $150,195/year (purchasing power: $145,538).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$72.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lake Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Lake Ridge grew 20.4% from $58.47/hr (2019) to $70.40/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.07/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 Lake Ridge 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 Lake Ridge
With a significant trend toward part-time work, air traffic controllers in Lake Ridge may take home notable earnings while only working 24 hours a week. This contrasts with the potential for full-time staff, who often have access to overtime opportunities that can substantially increase their effective compensation. Many controllers find themselves working 50-60 hours a week due to chronic staffing shortages, resulting in overtime pay that can dramatically boost annual take-home figures, with some controllers earning an additional $50,000 to $100,000 through these extra hours. Moreover, hourly rates tend to vary depending on the employer, with FAA en route centers and high-traffic airport towers generally offering better pay compared to smaller facilities or contract towers. Some professionals may opt for roles that provide health insurance at a lower hourly rate, recognizing the value of a solid benefits package. Negotiating terms can be crucial, especially for per diem air traffic controller pay in Lake Ridge, where professionals might seek to maximize both hourly pay and job benefits when transitioning between contract and full-time roles.
More salary data for Lake Ridge, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Lake Ridge. 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 Lake Ridge 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