Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Waynesboro, VA: $71.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Waynesboro, VA runs $71.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $148,915 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Waynesboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $69.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $89,349 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Waynesboro, Virginia, earn a median hourly pay of $71.59, which is slightly lower than the national median of $73.02. This hourly rate suggests a competitive compensation for those working at busy FAA facilities, where the environment demands high levels of focus and expertise. Controllers typically share their time across various settings, including en route center radar consoles, TRACON facilities near major airports, and control towers with panoramic views. For part-time workers operating three days a week, this translates into a solid income while still allowing flexibility. The hourly range for air traffic controllers in Waynesboro extends from approximately $41.52 for entry-level roles to $101.05 for highly experienced controllers, reflecting the wide spectrum of expertise and responsibility within this profession.
About the Waynesboro 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) | $41.52 | $332.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.55 | $412.41 |
| Median (P50) | $71.59 | $572.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.52 | $700.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.05 | $808.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waynesboro
Based on $71.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $71.59/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waynesboro, VA can expect to earn approximately $148,915 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,913. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Waynesboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waynesboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,863.75 | $12,410 | $148,915 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,718.25 | $7,446 | $89,349 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,145.50 | $4,964 | $59,566 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Waynesboro) | $71.59 |
| 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 Waynesboro, VA earn a median of $148,915 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.96% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.00% below the Virginia state average of $156,753.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $71.59/hr = $89,349/year (purchasing power: $86,579).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $148,915/year (purchasing power: $144,298).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$71.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Waynesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $64.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Waynesboro grew 20.4% from $57.97/hr (2019) to $69.80/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $73.43/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 Waynesboro 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 Waynesboro
When analyzing the financial landscape for air traffic controllers, part-time positions can yield significant earnings. A controller working just 24 hours a week can expect to take home around $60,000 annually, a respectable sum compared to full-time counterparts. Furthermore, the reality of working as a per diem air traffic controller in Waynesboro offers additional layers of earning potential. Controllers often find themselves eligible for overtime rates, which can lead to salaries that exceed base compensation significantly, especially in an environment where understaffing has become an ongoing issue, compelling many to clock in extra hours regularly. Employers vary widely, with those from FAA-en route centers or military positions typically offering different hourly structures compared to FAA contract towers serving smaller airports. Benefits and compensation packages can vary, prompting some to choose lower hourly rates with robust health insurance over higher pay without coverage. For those entering the profession, negotiating for favorable rates while considering benefits becomes crucial, with targets reflecting the specifics of their work environment, particularly in developing regions such as Waynesboro, VA.
More salary data for Waynesboro, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Waynesboro in 2026?
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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 Waynesboro. 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 Waynesboro 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