Air Traffic Controller Salary in Chesapeake, VA: $122,769 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Chesapeake, VA earns a median $122,769/year (≈ $59.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Chesapeake's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $118,962 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 21.7% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chesapeake, Virginia, the air traffic controller salary is projected to be $122,769 in 2026, a figure that reflects the region's unique economic factors and the broader landscape of air traffic control pay across the United States. With a salary range from $71,206 at the 10th percentile to $190,292 at the 90th percentile, local air traffic controllers can expect varied earning potential based on qualifications, experience, and the type of facility in which they work. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost of living, which is at 103.2, slightly above the national average. This situation highlights Chesapeake's dynamic job market, where controllers play a vital role in managing air traffic efficiently amid ongoing staffing challenges.
About the Chesapeake Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,206 | $34.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,394 | $42.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,769 | $59.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $157,144 | $75.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $190,292 | $91.48 |
Median Salary Position
19.17% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, VA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $119,086 (2026 est.). At $122,769, the local median is 19.17% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chesapeake: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chesapeake Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Chesapeake median: $122,769/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chesapeake Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $156,793 | -21.70% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -19.17% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Chesapeake, VA earn a median of $122,769 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.17% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 21.70% below the Virginia state average of $156,793.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chesapeake has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chesapeake, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $122,769 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $118,962 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$99,413
2025 BLS Actual
$119,693
2026 Current Est.
$122,769
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Chesapeake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,413 | Actual |
| 2020 | $105,418 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,877 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,898 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,044 | Actual |
| 2024 | $151,526 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,693 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,769 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $125,924 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chesapeake metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $99,413 (2019) to $119,693 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $125,924 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,511 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chesapeake 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) | $71,206 – $88,394 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,394 – $122,769 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,769 – $157,144 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $157,144 – $190,292 |
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 Chesapeake
A total of 63 air traffic controllers are currently employed in Chesapeake, providing a solid foundation for aspiring professionals in the field. Despite a cost of living index that can impact take-home pay, the pay structure in local air traffic control offers several avenues for increased earnings. Employers like the FAA in en route centers typically offer the highest salaries, followed by TRACONs and airport control towers. Factors such as CPC certification status and the facility type dictate compensation levels, with developmental controllers earning 65-75% of CPC pay until they earn full certification. Additionally, opportunities for shift differentials—10% for nights and up to 100% for holidays—along with mandatory overtime can significantly boost annual income. Thus, candidates seeking the highest air traffic controller pay in Chesapeake VA should aim for either en route positions or explore opportunities for overtime and shifts that maximize their earnings potential.
More salary data for Chesapeake, 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 $119,693 for air traffic controllersin the Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake 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