Air Traffic Controller Salary in Reston, VA: $153,286 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Reston, VA earns a median $153,286/year (≈ $73.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Reston's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $148,533 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Reston, Virginia, air traffic controllers can expect to see a median salary of $153,286 in 2026, slightly surpassing the national median of $151,886. The compensation landscape for controllers in this area reveals a broad range, with the lowest earners making around $88,906 and the top-tier professionals reaching up to $223,153. These figures are informed by 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost differences, reflecting the specific tiers of facilities operating in Reston—from en route centers handling high-altitude traffic to terminal radar approach control and airport control towers. This wage structure highlights the differing responsibility levels across facility types, influencing how much air traffic controllers make in Reston.
About the Reston Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,906 | $42.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,365 | $53.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $153,286 | $73.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $196,206 | $94.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $223,153 | $107.29 |
Median Salary Position
0.92% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Reston
In Reston, VA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $134,247 (2026 est.). At $153,286, the local median is 0.92% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Reston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Reston Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Reston median: $153,286/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Reston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $156,734 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +0.92% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Reston, VA earn a median of $153,286 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.92% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.20% below the Virginia state average of $156,734.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Reston has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Reston, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $153,286 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $148,533 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$124,124
2025 BLS Actual
$149,445
2026 Current Est.
$153,286
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Reston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $124,124 | Actual |
| 2020 | $131,622 | Actual |
| 2021 | $130,946 | Actual |
| 2022 | $133,469 | Actual |
| 2023 | $138,646 | Actual |
| 2024 | $143,309 | Actual |
| 2025 | $149,445 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $153,286 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $157,225 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Reston metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $124,124 (2019) to $149,445 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $157,225 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,101 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Reston 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) | $88,906 – $110,365 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,365 – $153,286 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $153,286 – $196,206 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $196,206 – $223,153 |
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 Reston
The local air traffic controller job market shows 16 professionals currently employed, which suggests a modest yet stable workforce amidst a competitive hiring environment. Factoring in a cost-of-living index of 103.2, controllers must consider how housing and other expenses impact their take-home pay. Among the employers, the FAA en route centers typically offer the most lucrative positions, with air traffic controllers in these facilities able to maximize earnings through opportunities such as shift differentials, overtime, and promotion to Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status. Strategies to enhance pay in Reston include pursuing specialized certifications, actively seeking out overtime, and being flexible with shifts to take advantage of higher differential rates. Understanding these dynamics is essential for those looking to progress in this demanding yet rewarding field.
More salary data for Reston, 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 $149,445 for air traffic controllersin the Reston 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 Reston 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