Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Salem, VA: $73.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Salem, VA runs $73.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $151,977 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $91,192 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, Virginia, the air traffic controller hourly pay reflects a median rate of $73.07, slightly surpassing the national median of $73.02. This competitive compensation allows for significant earning potential, particularly for those working part-time at en route center radar consoles or in airport traffic control towers. Given the nature of the job, controllers often operate in dimly lit control rooms or utilize TRACON facilities adjacent to major airports, which fosters an intense, focused working environment. For air traffic controllers in Salem, entry-level roles have an hourly rate starting at $42.38, while seasoned professionals can earn upwards of $100.34, demonstrating a broad range that accommodates various experience levels within the profession. These hourly estimates are derived from projected annual salary data, providing a realistic view of compensation structures in the region.
About the Salem 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) | $42.38 | $339.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.21 | $433.67 |
| Median (P50) | $73.07 | $584.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91.36 | $730.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.34 | $802.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $73.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $73.07/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, VA can expect to earn approximately $151,987 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $87,685. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,922.83 | $12,666 | $151,987 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,753.70 | $7,599 | $91,192 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,169.13 | $5,066 | $60,795 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Salem) | $73.07 |
| 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 Salem, VA earn a median of $151,977 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.06% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 3.00% below the Virginia state average of $156,677.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $73.07/hr = $91,192/year (purchasing power: $88,365).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $151,987/year (purchasing power: $147,275).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$59.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$71.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$73.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $71.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Salem grew 20.4% from $59.17/hr (2019) to $71.24/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.95/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 Salem 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 Salem
Considering a part-time schedule of three days per week, air traffic controllers in Salem could take home approximately $54,445 annually, which contrasts sharply with a full-time salary structure. The per diem pay for air traffic controllers can also vary significantly, especially as they often seek agency roles or locum opportunities that can lead to overtime earnings. Controllers routinely work more than 40 hours per week, and with the prevalence of overtime (compensated at 1.5 times the base rate), many find that their effective hourly compensation can exceed their base rates substantially. In Salem, employment can be found in various sectors such as FAA en route centers, TRACON facilities, and military ATC, each impacting pay differently. While some may opt for positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for healthcare benefits, others may pursue roles offering higher hourly wages but lacking such benefits. Negotiation strategies among hourly workers typically pivot on these benefits and the opportunity for overtime, making a strong understanding of facility context crucial for successful career advancement in air traffic control in Virginia.
More salary data for Salem, 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 Salem. 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 Salem 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