Air Traffic Controller Salary in Roanoke, VA: $155,407 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Roanoke, VA earns a median $155,407/year (≈ $74.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Roanoke's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $150,588 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Roanoke, Virginia, can anticipate a robust median annual salary of $155,407 in 2026, offering a competitive edge over the national median of $151,886. With a salary range spanning from $90,136 at the 10th percentile to $228,813 at the 90th percentile, controllers in this region can expect significant variations in pay influenced by experience, facility type, and certifications. Projections indicate a growth rate of 2.57% annually, reflecting an ongoing demand for skilled professionals in this field. Aspiring controllers often begin as developmental staff, spending one to three years advancing towards full certification, during which time compensation remains at a lower tier. The job market in Roanoke indicates potential opportunities for growth, making it an attractive city for air traffic controllers.
About the Roanoke Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,136 | $43.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,893 | $53.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $155,407 | $74.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $198,921 | $95.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $228,813 | $110.01 |
Median Salary Position
2.32% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Roanoke
In Roanoke, VA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $138,677 (2026 est.). At $155,407, the local median is 2.32% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Roanoke: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Roanoke Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Roanoke median: $155,407/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Roanoke Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $156,818 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +2.32% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Roanoke, VA earn a median of $155,407 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.32% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.90% below the Virginia state average of $156,818.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Roanoke has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Roanoke, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $155,407 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $150,588 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$125,841
2025 BLS Actual
$151,513
2026 Current Est.
$155,407
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Roanoke (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $125,841 | Actual |
| 2020 | $133,444 | Actual |
| 2021 | $132,758 | Actual |
| 2022 | $135,316 | Actual |
| 2023 | $140,565 | Actual |
| 2024 | $145,292 | Actual |
| 2025 | $151,513 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $155,407 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $159,401 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Roanoke metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $125,841 (2019) to $151,513 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $159,401 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,560 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Roanoke 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) | $90,136 – $111,893 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,893 – $155,407 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $155,407 – $198,921 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $198,921 – $228,813 |
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 Roanoke
Currently, Roanoke employs 16 air traffic controllers, reflecting both the local demand and the importance of this profession for regional traffic management. The cost of living index at 103.2 suggests that while the area is slightly above the national average, it allows for reasonable purchasing power considering the projected earnings. Among employers, FAA en route centers typically offer the highest pay, particularly for controllers at advanced facility levels. The wage spread can be attributed to factors such as CPC certification status, which significantly impacts developmental pay levels, along with various shift differentials and mandatory overtime due to chronic staffing shortages. For those looking to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Roanoke, pursuing advanced certifications, opting for higher-tier facilities, and taking advantage of overtime opportunities are practical strategies for increasing overall compensation.
More salary data for Roanoke, 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 $151,513 for air traffic controllersin the Roanoke 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 Roanoke 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