Air Traffic Controller Salary in Falls Church, VA: $144,530 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Falls Church, VA earns a median $144,530/year (≈ $69.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Falls Church's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $140,048 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.8% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Falls Church, VA, air traffic controllers are projected to earn an impressive median salary of $144,530 in 2026. Given the chronic understaffing affecting many facilities, controllers often work 50 to 60 hours weekly, which can significantly boost their earnings through overtime. The pay range varies widely, from $83,827 at the lower end (P10) to $196,261 at the higher end (P90), reflecting the demand and challenges of the role. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price differences. This salary structure reveals not only the financial incentives involved but also hints at the competitive nature of the job market for air traffic controllers in Falls Church.
About the Falls Church Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,827 | $40.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,570 | $50.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $144,530 | $69.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $179,993 | $86.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $196,261 | $94.35 |
Median Salary Position
4.84% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Falls Church
In Falls Church, VA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $112,434 (2026 est.). At $144,530, the local median is 4.84% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Falls Church: You'd be above the median
How Falls Church Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Falls Church median: $144,530/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Falls Church Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $156,757 | -7.80% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -4.84% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Falls Church, VA earn a median of $144,530 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.84% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 7.80% below the Virginia state average of $156,757.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Falls Church has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Falls Church, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $144,530 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $140,048 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$117,034
2025 BLS Actual
$140,909
2026 Current Est.
$144,530
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Falls Church (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $117,034 | Actual |
| 2020 | $124,104 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,467 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,846 | Actual |
| 2023 | $130,727 | Actual |
| 2024 | $135,123 | Actual |
| 2025 | $140,909 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,530 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $148,245 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Falls Church metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $117,034 (2019) to $140,909 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $148,245 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,211 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Falls Church 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) | $83,827 – $105,570 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,570 – $144,530 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $144,530 – $179,993 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $179,993 – $196,261 |
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 Falls Church
At present, there are only five air traffic controllers employed in the area, which highlights the localized job market's tightness. The cost of living index in Falls Church stands at 103.2, slightly above the national average, which can impact the actual purchasing power of the take-home salary. Many of the highest-paying positions for air traffic controllers in Falls Church come from FAA en route centers and terminal radar approach control facilities, as these typically handle high-altitude traffic or traffic within vital airport regions. Factors contributing to salary variations include the type of facility, certification status, and scheduled shifts, as well as the abundance of mandatory overtime. Seeking CPC certification and pursuing employment at high-tier facilities can maximize air traffic controller pay in Falls Church, VA, making it a strategic choice for aspiring professionals in the field.
More salary data for Falls Church, 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 $140,909 for air traffic controllersin the Falls Church 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 Falls Church 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