Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Mechanicsville, VA: $72.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Mechanicsville, VA runs $72.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $151,430 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Mechanicsville's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $90,860 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mechanicsville, Virginia, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $72.80, which is slightly below the national median of $73.02. This hourly pay opens up flexible opportunities for professionals seeking part-time work, such as those looking to operate for three days a week; these individuals can expect to earn good compensation while managing their time effectively. The hourly range varies from $42.54 for entry-level positions to about $104.14 for experienced controllers, allowing for potential rapid advancement in pay as skill levels increase. Controllers typically work in various environments, including en route centers, TRACON facilities, and control towers. Most hourly estimates for Mechanicsville’s air traffic controller pay are derived from annual salary figures, which indicate significant earning potential based on experience and location.
About the Mechanicsville 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) | $42.54 | $340.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.41 | $419.31 |
| Median (P50) | $72.80 | $582.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93.18 | $745.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104.14 | $833.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mechanicsville
Based on $72.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $72.80/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mechanicsville, VA can expect to earn approximately $151,433 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $87,365. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Mechanicsville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mechanicsville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,912.17 | $12,619 | $151,433 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,747.30 | $7,572 | $90,860 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,164.87 | $5,048 | $60,573 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Mechanicsville) | $72.80 |
| 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 Mechanicsville, VA earn a median of $151,430 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.30% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.40% below the Virginia state average of $156,760.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $72.80/hr = $90,860/year (purchasing power: $88,042).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $151,433/year (purchasing power: $146,737).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$72.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Mechanicsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Mechanicsville grew 20.4% from $58.95/hr (2019) to $70.98/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.68/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 Mechanicsville 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 Mechanicsville
Considering part-time air traffic controllers in Mechanicsville who work 24 hours a week, they can earn a substantial income while enjoying greater work-life balance compared to their full-time counterparts. While full-time air traffic controllers often face chronic understaffing, many part-timers may also take advantage of per diem air traffic controller pay opportunities, which can be lucrative during training or while transitioning facilities. Additionally, overtime work at understaffed facilities drives substantial earnings, with controllers often clocking 50-60 hours a week, translating into $50,000-$100,000 in annual overtime pay for many. Hourly rates may also fluctuate based on employer types, with FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and contract towers offering varying pay scales influenced by the demands of their operational environments. As some air traffic controllers may prioritize health benefits alongside a lower hourly rate, negotiation strategies can focus on factors such as job security and benefits versus higher hourly compensation without health insurance. Understanding these dynamics will empower prospective controllers in Mechanicsville to make informed career choices.
More salary data for Mechanicsville, 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 Mechanicsville. 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 Mechanicsville 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