Air Traffic Controller Salary in Danville, VA: $153,254 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Danville, VA earns a median $153,254/year (≈ $73.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Danville's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $148,502 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Danville, Virginia, can anticipate a median annual salary of $153,254 in 2026. This figure represents a competitive edge over the national median of $151,886, reflecting a slight advantage in compensation at the local level. The salary range for air traffic controllers in this area spans from $88,887 at the 10th percentile to $212,965 at the 90th percentile, indicating a robust potential for earnings based on experience and facility type. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price levels, highlight the economic dynamics driving compensation in Danville. Additionally, chronic understaffing in the industry often leads controllers to work 50-60 hour weeks, creating opportunities for overtime that can significantly boost effective compensation.
About the Danville Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,887 | $42.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,343 | $53.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $153,254 | $73.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $193,255 | $92.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $212,965 | $102.39 |
Median Salary Position
0.90% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Danville
In Danville, VA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $124,078 (2026 est.). At $153,254, the local median is 0.9% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Danville: You'd be above the median
How Danville Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Danville median: $153,254/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Danville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $156,701 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +0.90% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Danville, VA earn a median of $153,254 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.90% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.20% below the Virginia state average of $156,701.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Danville has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Danville, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $153,254 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $148,502 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$124,098
2025 BLS Actual
$149,414
2026 Current Est.
$153,254
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Danville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $124,098 | Actual |
| 2020 | $131,595 | Actual |
| 2021 | $130,919 | Actual |
| 2022 | $133,441 | Actual |
| 2023 | $138,618 | Actual |
| 2024 | $143,279 | Actual |
| 2025 | $149,414 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $153,254 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $157,193 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Danville metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $124,098 (2019) to $149,414 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $157,193 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,095 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Danville 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) | $88,887 – $110,343 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,343 – $153,254 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $153,254 – $193,255 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $193,255 – $212,965 |
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 Danville
In Danville, a total of seven air traffic controllers contribute to the local aviation workforce, indicating a niche but focused employment market in air traffic management. The cost-of-living index in the area sits at 103.2, slightly above the national average of 100, meaning that while salaries are favorable, expenses may be higher as well. Those seeking the highest air traffic controller pay in Danville VA should consider roles at FAA terminal radar approach control (TRACONs) and en route centers, which typically offer more competitive salaries compared to airport traffic control towers. Pay can be influenced by several factors, including the type of facility, CPC certification status, and opportunities for overtime or shift differentials. Mastering these elements while understanding the local job market's needs can help maximize take-home pay for aspiring air traffic controllers in Danville.
More salary data for Danville, 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 $149,414 for air traffic controllersin the Danville 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 Danville 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