Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Norfolk, VA: $59.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Norfolk, VA runs $59.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,119 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Norfolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,475 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Norfolk, Virginia, offers an hourly median pay of $59.68 for air traffic controllers, which is notably lower than the national median of $73.02 per hour. This discrepancy reflects both local market conditions and operational contexts for the profession. For part-time air traffic controllers working three days a week, this rate translates to approximately $4,131 monthly, providing a viable income, particularly for those seeking flexible schedules. In terms of per-diem opportunities, professionals working in various settings—such as en route centers and TRACON facilities—could expect earnings within a typical hourly range from $34.61 for entry-level positions to $90.79 for top earners. Such hourly rates are derived from annual pay figures, accentuating the earning potential based purely on hours worked within the industry's unique environment.
About the Norfolk 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) | $34.61 | $276.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.97 | $343.73 |
| Median (P50) | $59.68 | $477.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.38 | $611.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.79 | $726.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norfolk
Based on $59.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.68/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norfolk, VA can expect to earn approximately $124,124 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,610. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Norfolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norfolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,387.01 | $10,344 | $124,124 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,432.21 | $6,206 | $74,475 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $954.80 | $4,137 | $49,650 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Norfolk) | $59.68 |
| 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 Norfolk, VA earn a median of $124,119 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.28% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 20.80% below the Virginia state average of $156,716.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.68/hr = $74,475/year (purchasing power: $72,165).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,124/year (purchasing power: $120,276).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $73.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Norfolk grew 20.4% from $48.32/hr (2019) to $58.18/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.21/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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk
Analyzing the earning potential highlights the pragmatic reality of part-time versus full-time work. A part-time air traffic controller working 24 hours a week may take home around $49,572 annually, which is a sustainable amount but may not match the earning power of full-timers. Full-time controllers, especially those in military and FAA environments which often demand overtime, could earn significantly more due to mandatory long hours—many controllers clocking 50-60 hours per week, with overtime pushing their effective hourly compensation well above base pay. Different employer types in Norfolk offer varied frameworks: the FAA's en route centers typically pay higher hourly rates than smaller airports managed by contractors. Trade-offs exist between higher pay rates without benefits versus lower rates paired with robust health insurance. For those negotiating their pay, understanding local demands and facility-specific compensation determinants is crucial for successful engagements.
More salary data for Norfolk, 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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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