Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in South Charleston, WV: $57.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in South Charleston, WV runs $57.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $119,380 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against South Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.5, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,633 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Charleston, the pay scales for air traffic controllers reflect both the complexities of the job and local economic conditions. The projected median hourly rate is $57.40, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $73.02. This wage is indicative of the state’s cost of living, which is below the national average at an index of 86.5. For those working part-time, say three days a week, the opportunities can be quite appealing, offering an hourly pay that allows schedule flexibility in settings that include en route center radar consoles and airport traffic control towers. The pay range for controllers in the region varies considerably, spanning from an entry-level rate of $33.28 to top earners making $76.66 per hour. These figures are sourced from annual salary estimates, but they provide a clear view of the earning potential for air traffic controllers in this part of West Virginia.
About the South Charleston Market
Salary estimated from West Virginia average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.28 | $266.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.33 | $330.60 |
| Median (P50) | $57.40 | $459.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.68 | $565.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76.66 | $613.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Charleston
Based on $57.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.40/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Charleston, WV can expect to earn approximately $119,388 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,878. With a cost-of-living index of 86.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,295.93 | $9,949 | $119,388 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,377.56 | $5,969 | $71,633 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $918.37 | $3,980 | $47,755 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (South Charleston) | $57.40 |
| 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 South Charleston, WV earn a median of $119,380 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.40% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.20% below the West Virginia state average of $124,614.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.40/hr = $71,633/year (purchasing power: $82,813).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $119,388/year (purchasing power: $138,021).
CoL index: 86.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$46.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in South Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in South Charleston grew 20.4% from $46.48/hr (2019) to $55.96/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.87/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 South Charleston 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 South Charleston
In terms of part-time earning potential, a controller working 24 hours a week might take home approximately $44,787 annually, which is significantly less than full-time counterparts who can earn in excess of $119,380. For those in per diem roles or agency positions, the variability of income can increase substantially due to the prevalence of overtime; many controllers at understaffed facilities end up working 50-60 hours a week, with overtime compensation elevating their effective pay far above base rates. Different employers also influence pay—FAA facilities like ARTCCs and TRACONs may offer distinct pay structures compared to military or contract towers, with some positions providing significant health benefits that might appeal to certain workers despite lower wages. Effective negotiation strategies, such as understanding the local ATC hiring environment and the specific benefits versus hourly pay trade-off, can be crucial for controllers in South Charleston when discussing their compensation in this competitive field.
More salary data for South Charleston, WV:
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 South Charleston. 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 South Charleston 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