Air Traffic Controller Salary in Portsmouth, VA: $151,672 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Portsmouth, VA earns a median $151,672/year (≈ $72.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Portsmouth's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $146,969 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Portsmouth, Virginia, the projected air traffic controller salary for 2026 is set at $151,672, slightly below the national median of $151,886. The salary range for this position varies significantly, spanning from $87,970 at the 10th percentile to as much as $217,552 at the 90th percentile, highlighting potential disparities within the workforce. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for local cost of living factors, notably Portsmouth's cost-of-living index sitting at 103.2, which signifies a slight premium compared to the national average. The local job market for air traffic controllers remains competitive, with 17 professionals currently employed, creating a unique environment for those seeking to advance their careers in this essential field.
About the Portsmouth Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,970 | $42.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,204 | $52.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $151,672 | $72.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $194,140 | $93.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $217,552 | $104.59 |
Median Salary Position
0.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Portsmouth
In Portsmouth, VA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $129,582 (2026 est.). At $151,672, the local median is 0.14% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Portsmouth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Portsmouth Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Portsmouth median: $151,672/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Portsmouth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $156,686 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -0.14% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Portsmouth, VA earn a median of $151,672 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.14% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.20% below the Virginia state average of $156,686.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Portsmouth has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Portsmouth, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $151,672 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $146,969 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$122,817
2025 BLS Actual
$147,872
2026 Current Est.
$151,672
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $122,817 | Actual |
| 2020 | $130,237 | Actual |
| 2021 | $129,568 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,064 | Actual |
| 2023 | $137,187 | Actual |
| 2024 | $141,800 | Actual |
| 2025 | $147,872 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $151,672 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $155,570 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Portsmouth metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $122,817 (2019) to $147,872 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $155,570 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,753 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portsmouth 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) | $87,970 – $109,204 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,204 – $151,672 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $151,672 – $194,140 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $194,140 – $217,552 |
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 Portsmouth
The dynamics of air traffic controller pay in Portsmouth, VA reflect the broader complexities of the profession. Local employment, while limited to a small number of controllers, is influenced by factors such as facility type, certification status, and shift differentials. Those working at FAA en route centers typically receive the highest compensation, capitalizing on the extensive responsibilities managed at these facilities. Controllers can maximize their earnings by seeking positions in en route or terminal facilities and achieving CPC certification to benefit from higher developmental pay rates. Additionally, opportunities for overtime due to chronic staffing shortages can significantly enhance annual earnings. Understanding these elements, alongside facility-specific payment structures and locality adjustments, can better equip aspiring and current controllers from Portsmouth to navigate their career path effectively.
More salary data for Portsmouth, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Portsmouth?
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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 $147,872 for air traffic controllersin the Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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