Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Weirton, WV: $56.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Weirton, WV runs $56.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $118,096 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Weirton's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.5, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $65.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,852 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Weirton, West Virginia, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $56.77, which is notably below the national median of $73.02. This differential highlights the unique economic landscape in Weirton, where hourly compensation aligns with local demand and cost of living, reflected in a cost of living index of 86.5. Controllers typically engage in demanding work environments, whether at en route center radar consoles in dimly lit control rooms, TRACON facilities near major airports, or airport traffic control towers with panoramic views. The hourly range for this position stretches from $32.94 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $79.86 at the high end (90th percentile), allowing both entry-level and experienced controllers to find their place within the industry. For those pursuing part-time positions or per diem roles, the ability to earn within this hourly framework can be conducive to flexibility while navigating the intricate demands of air traffic control.
About the Weirton 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) | $32.94 | $263.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.88 | $327.08 |
| Median (P50) | $56.77 | $454.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69.29 | $554.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.86 | $638.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Weirton
Based on $56.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.77/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Weirton, WV can expect to earn approximately $118,087 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,127. With a cost-of-living index of 86.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Weirton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Weirton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,270.90 | $9,841 | $118,087 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,362.54 | $5,904 | $70,852 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $908.36 | $3,936 | $47,235 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Weirton) | $56.77 |
| 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 Weirton, WV earn a median of $118,096 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.25% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.20% below the West Virginia state average of $124,574.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.77/hr = $70,852/year (purchasing power: $81,910).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $118,087/year (purchasing power: $136,517).
CoL index: 86.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$45.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Weirton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Weirton grew 20.4% from $45.97/hr (2019) to $55.35/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.23/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 Weirton 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 Weirton
When considering the financial aspects of part-time work in air traffic control, one must examine the take-home pay closely. A controller working three days a week might earn significantly less compared to full-time counterparts unless they capitalize on per diem air traffic controller pay in Weirton, where additional shifts can increase earnings through overtime. In fact, with the current staffing challenges, many controllers routinely work 50-60 hours per week, enabling them to accumulate overtime pay that can substantially boost their overall compensation, often exceeding their base hourly rate. The potential for varying pay scales exists across different employer types in the region—from FAA en route centers to military installations or FAA contract towers—creating a trade-off between lower hourly wages with benefits versus higher rates without insurance. Negotiating terms effectively is crucial; controllers in Weirton should assess their priorities, whether pursuing higher hourly rates or value-added benefits from their employers, especially in the context of the aging workforce and mandatory retirement policies at age 56.
More salary data for Weirton, WV:
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 Weirton. 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 Weirton 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