Air Traffic Controller Salary in McLean, VA: $153,449 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in McLean, VA earns a median $153,449/year (≈ $73.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in McLean's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $148,691 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controller salaries in McLean, Virginia, are projected to reach a median of $153,449, reflecting a competitive advantage of 1.03% over the national median of $151,886. The salary range for these professionals extends from $89,000 at the 10th percentile to $213,521 at the 90th percentile, indicating a robust earning potential within the region. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments account for various economic factors, including the high demand for air traffic control services and chronic understaffing at FAA facilities. The effectiveness of compensation is further amplified by the frequent requirement for controllers to work 50 to 60-hour weeks, allowing both fortuitous overtime and a greater overall earning capacity, particularly for those who excel in high-stress environments.
About the McLean Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,000 | $42.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,483 | $53.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $153,449 | $73.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $193,559 | $93.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $213,521 | $102.65 |
Median Salary Position
1.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in McLean
In McLean, VA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $124,521 (2026 est.). At $153,449, the local median is 1.03% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in McLean: You'd be above the median
How McLean Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
McLean median: $153,449/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | McLean Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $156,740 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +1.03% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in McLean, VA earn a median of $153,449 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.03% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.10% below the Virginia state average of $156,740.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
McLean has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
McLean, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $153,449 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $148,691 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$124,256
2025 BLS Actual
$149,604
2026 Current Est.
$153,449
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in McLean (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $124,256 | Actual |
| 2020 | $131,762 | Actual |
| 2021 | $131,085 | Actual |
| 2022 | $133,611 | Actual |
| 2023 | $138,794 | Actual |
| 2024 | $143,461 | Actual |
| 2025 | $149,604 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $153,449 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $157,392 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the McLean metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $124,256 (2019) to $149,604 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $157,392 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,136 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the McLean 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) | $89,000 – $110,483 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,483 – $153,449 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $153,449 – $193,559 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $193,559 – $213,521 |
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 McLean
In terms of local employment dynamics, McLean has 11 air traffic controllers, reflecting a specialized job market that stands out amid the cost-of-living index of 103.2, which indicates higher expenses than the national average. This raises concerns about take-home purchasing power, making competitive salaries even more critical. Among the employers that typically offer the highest pay are FAA en route centers, which handle high-altitude air traffic and often include the most experienced controllers. Factors such as facility levels, CPC certification status, shift differentials, and abundant overtime opportunities directly influence the range of air traffic controller pay in McLean, VA. Strategies for maximizing pay include pursuing CPC certification, working night or weekend shifts to earn differentials, and capitalizing on the mandatory overtime that remains a concern in under-resourced facilities, ensuring controllers make the most of their skillset in an ever-demanding industry.
More salary data for McLean, 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 $149,604 for air traffic controllersin the McLean 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 McLean 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