Air Traffic Controller Salary in Alexandria, VA: $177,850 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Alexandria, VA earns a median $177,850/year (≈ $85.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Alexandria's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $172,335 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 13.5% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Alexandria, Virginia, air traffic controllers can expect a median annual salary of $177,850 in 2026, positioning the city above the national median of $151,886 by approximately 17.09%. The salary range for this occupation varies from $103,154 at the 10th percentile to as much as $265,456 for the top 90th percentile, reflecting the differences in facility tiers. These figures represent local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, factoring in the higher cost of living index of 103.2, which indicates a competitive but demanding job market. Controllers working in en route facilities (Level 12) typically earn more than their counterparts in terminal (Level 11) or tower (Level 7) facilities, emphasizing the importance of understanding the hierarchy within air traffic control positions to maximize earnings in Alexandria's job market.
About the Alexandria Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,154 | $49.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $128,052 | $61.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $177,850 | $85.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $227,648 | $109.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $265,456 | $127.63 |
Median Salary Position
17.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alexandria
In Alexandria, VA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $162,302 (2026 est.). At $177,850, the local median is 17.09% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Alexandria: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Alexandria Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Alexandria median: $177,850/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Alexandria Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $156,696 | +13.50% more |
| National Average | $151,886 | +17.09% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Alexandria, VA earn a median of $177,850 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.09% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 13.50% above the Virginia state average of $156,696.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Alexandria has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Alexandria, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $177,850 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $172,335 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$144,015
2025 BLS Actual
$173,394
2026 Current Est.
$177,850
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $144,015 | Actual |
| 2020 | $152,715 | Actual |
| 2021 | $151,931 | Actual |
| 2022 | $154,858 | Actual |
| 2023 | $160,865 | Actual |
| 2024 | $146,760 | Actual |
| 2025 | $173,394 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $177,850 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $182,421 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alexandria metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $144,015 (2019) to $173,394 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $182,421 by 2027 — a total increase of $38,406 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alexandria 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $103,154 – $128,052 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $128,052 – $177,850 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $177,850 – $227,648 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $227,648 – $265,456 |
ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual air traffic controller compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Air Traffic Controller Job Market in Alexandria
The local air traffic controller job market currently employs 26 professionals, indicating a modest but stable presence in the industry. Given the cost-of-living index, controllers in Alexandria face increased living expenses, impacting overall purchasing power. Employers that offer the highest pay include FAA en route centers managing high-altitude traffic, followed by terminal radar approach facilities managing traffic within major airport vicinities. Factors contributing to salary variation include the facility level, certification status, shift differentials, and availability of overtime opportunities, driving many controllers to seek higher pay through strategic moves, such as obtaining CPC certification or volunteering for shift work. With chronic staffing shortages leading to abundant overtime, those looking to maximize air traffic controller pay in Alexandria, VA, may find that flexibility and continued professional development are key to enhancing their compensation packages while also navigating career longevity amidst mandated retirement at age 56.
More salary data for Alexandria, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $173,394 for air traffic controllersin the Alexandria metropolitan area. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alexandria 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