Air Traffic Controller Salary in Blacksburg, VA: $155,456 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Blacksburg, VA earns a median $155,456/year (≈ $74.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Blacksburg's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $150,636 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Blacksburg, Virginia, are expected to earn a median annual salary of $155,456, reflecting a competitive position when compared to the national median of $151,886. This salary offers a substantial range, with entry-level pay starting at approximately $90,164 and experienced professionals making up to $220,392. These figures represent local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the regional cost of living, which sits slightly above the national average. The different tiers of air traffic control facilities—en route, terminal, and tower—play a significant role in determining pay rates, with en route positions generally offering higher compensation than their terminal or tower counterparts. This dynamic highlights the competitive market for air traffic controllers in Blacksburg, especially given the essential nature of their work in the aviation sector.
About the Blacksburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,164 | $43.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,928 | $53.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $155,456 | $74.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $198,574 | $95.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $220,392 | $105.95 |
Median Salary Position
2.35% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Blacksburg
In Blacksburg, VA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $130,228 (2026 est.). At $155,456, the local median is 2.35% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Blacksburg: You'd be above the median
How Blacksburg Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Blacksburg median: $155,456/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Blacksburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $156,710 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +2.35% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Blacksburg, VA earn a median of $155,456 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.35% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.80% below the Virginia state average of $156,710.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Blacksburg has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Blacksburg, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $155,456 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $150,636 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$125,881
2025 BLS Actual
$151,561
2026 Current Est.
$155,456
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Blacksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $125,881 | Actual |
| 2020 | $133,486 | Actual |
| 2021 | $132,800 | Actual |
| 2022 | $135,359 | Actual |
| 2023 | $140,609 | Actual |
| 2024 | $145,337 | Actual |
| 2025 | $151,561 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $155,456 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $159,451 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Blacksburg metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $125,881 (2019) to $151,561 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $159,451 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,570 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Blacksburg 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) | $90,164 – $111,928 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,928 – $155,456 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $155,456 – $198,574 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $198,574 – $220,392 |
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 Blacksburg
In terms of employment, there are currently seven air traffic controllers in the Blacksburg area, indicating a niche job market within the industry. With a cost-of-living index of 103.2, the purchasing power for controllers might be slightly diminished compared to larger metropolitan areas, yet it still provides a solid standard of living. The best-paying roles are likely found within FAA en route centers, which command higher salaries compared to terminal facilities, largely due to their wider scope of control over high-altitude traffic. Other pay factors include CPC certification and the ability to take advantage of shift differentials and abundant overtime, common in this line of work, especially in the context of chronic staffing shortages. For those looking to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Blacksburg, seeking positions that offer advancement opportunities within the FAA or pursuing additional certifications can enhance earning potential significantly.
More salary data for Blacksburg, 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 $151,561 for air traffic controllersin the Blacksburg 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 Blacksburg 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