Air Traffic Controller Salary in Sterling, VA: $150,396 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Sterling, VA earns a median $150,396/year (≈ $72.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Sterling's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $145,733 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller salary in Sterling, Virginia, is projected to reach a median of $150,396, closely aligning with the national median of $151,886. Salaries vary significantly within the local market, with a range extending from $87,230 at the 10th percentile to $213,149 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parity, reflect the specific pay dynamics in Sterling. Given the tier structure that classifies facilities into en route, terminal, and tower categories, controllers in Sterling may find themselves in varying positions that influence their earning potential. The competitive nature of air traffic controller pay in Sterling is indicative of the overall demand for skilled personnel in this crucial field.
About the Sterling Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,230 | $41.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,285 | $52.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $150,396 | $72.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $191,728 | $92.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $213,149 | $102.48 |
Median Salary Position
0.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sterling
In Sterling, VA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $125,919 (2026 est.). At $150,396, the local median is 0.98% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sterling: You'd be above the median
How Sterling Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Sterling median: $150,396/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sterling Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $156,826 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -0.98% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Sterling, VA earn a median of $150,396 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.98% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.10% below the Virginia state average of $156,826.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sterling has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sterling, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $150,396 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $145,733 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$121,784
2025 BLS Actual
$146,628
2026 Current Est.
$150,396
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Sterling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $121,784 | Actual |
| 2020 | $129,141 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,478 | Actual |
| 2022 | $130,953 | Actual |
| 2023 | $136,033 | Actual |
| 2024 | $140,607 | Actual |
| 2025 | $146,628 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $150,396 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $154,262 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sterling metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $121,784 (2019) to $146,628 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $154,262 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,478 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sterling 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) | $87,230 – $108,285 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,285 – $150,396 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $150,396 – $191,728 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $191,728 – $213,149 |
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 Sterling
With only seven air traffic controllers employed in Sterling, the job market remains tight yet competitive. Despite a cost-of-living index of 103.2, which suggests a slightly above-average expense compared to the national average, the comprehensive compensation for controllers may still afford reasonable take-home purchasing power. Employers in the area that typically offer the highest wages include those associated with FAA en route centers, which tend to pay more than their terminal or tower counterparts. Factors contributing to the significant salary spread include the facility tier system, certification levels, and generous overtime opportunities amid chronic staffing challenges. For those aiming to maximize their earnings, pursuing CPC certification, seeking placements at high-level facilities, and staying informed on available incentives—like shift differentials—can be advantageous strategies to enhance air traffic controller pay in Sterling, VA.
More salary data for Sterling, 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 $146,628 for air traffic controllersin the Sterling 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 Sterling 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