Air Traffic Controller Salary in Leesburg, VA: $151,758 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Leesburg, VA earns a median $151,758/year (≈ $72.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Leesburg's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $147,052 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controller salaries in Leesburg, Virginia are projected to reach a median of $151,758, aligning closely with the national median of $151,886. The salary range for this occupation reflects considerable variance, from approximately $88,019 at the lower end (P10) to as high as $218,332 (P90) for those at the peak of their careers. These estimates stem from local analyses based on 2025 BLS data, which consider regional price adjustments and labor market characteristics. Given the tier system in air traffic control facilities, those employed in en route centers often command higher pay than their counterparts in terminal or tower positions, underscoring the need for prospective controllers to consider facility type when evaluating potential earnings in the Leesburg area.
About the Leesburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,019 | $42.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,266 | $52.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $151,758 | $72.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $194,251 | $93.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $218,332 | $104.97 |
Median Salary Position
0.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Leesburg
In Leesburg, VA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $130,313 (2026 est.). At $151,758, the local median is 0.08% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Leesburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Leesburg Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Leesburg median: $151,758/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Leesburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $156,775 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -0.08% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Leesburg, VA earn a median of $151,758 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.08% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.20% below the Virginia state average of $156,775.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Leesburg has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Leesburg, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $151,758 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $147,052 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$122,887
2025 BLS Actual
$147,956
2026 Current Est.
$151,758
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Leesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $122,887 | Actual |
| 2020 | $130,311 | Actual |
| 2021 | $129,641 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,139 | Actual |
| 2023 | $137,265 | Actual |
| 2024 | $141,881 | Actual |
| 2025 | $147,956 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $151,758 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $155,659 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Leesburg metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $122,887 (2019) to $147,956 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $155,659 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,772 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leesburg 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) | $88,019 – $109,266 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,266 – $151,758 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $151,758 – $194,251 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $194,251 – $218,332 |
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 Leesburg
The job market for air traffic controllers in Leesburg is relatively small, with only 14 professionals currently employed in this role. However, the local cost of living index, at 103.2, indicates that living expenses are slightly above the national average and may impact take-home purchasing power. Among the various employers in the area, FAA en route centers will likely offer the highest compensation, particularly for controllers who achieve Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status. Factors such as facility type, shift differentials, and overtime availability significantly influence the pay spread. To maximize earnings in Leesburg, aspiring controllers should consider positions at en route facilities and seek opportunities for overtime while also being mindful of the potential impact of mandatory retirement at age 56 on long-term career planning. An understanding of these dynamics can help controllers navigate their career paths more effectively in the competitive air traffic controller market.
More salary data for Leesburg, 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 $147,956 for air traffic controllersin the Leesburg 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 Leesburg 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