Air Traffic Controller Salary in Winchester, VA: $148,499 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Winchester, VA earns a median $148,499/year (≈ $71.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Winchester's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $143,894 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Winchester, Virginia, the projected median annual salary for air traffic controllers in 2026 is $148,499, reflecting a competitive pay scale in the region despite being approximately 2.23% below the national median of $151,886. The salary range for controllers in Winchester spans from $86,129 at the P10 level to $206,403 at the P90 level, showcasing the wide disparity in compensation often driven by the demanding nature of the job. These figures, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, highlight the dynamics of understaffed facilities that frequently compel controllers to work 50 to 60-hour weeks. Such extended hours, while taxing, effectively boost overall compensation, making the local air traffic controller salary in Winchester appealing for those willing to take on the challenges of the role.
About the Winchester Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,129 | $41.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $106,919 | $51.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $148,499 | $71.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $187,175 | $89.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $206,403 | $99.24 |
Median Salary Position
2.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winchester
In Winchester, VA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $120,274 (2026 est.). At $148,499, the local median is 2.23% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Winchester: You'd be above the median
How Winchester Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Winchester median: $148,499/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Winchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $156,810 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -2.23% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Winchester, VA earn a median of $148,499 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.23% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 5.30% below the Virginia state average of $156,810.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Winchester has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Winchester, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $148,499 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $143,894 — a 3.1% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$120,247
2025 BLS Actual
$144,778
2026 Current Est.
$148,499
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Winchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $120,247 | Actual |
| 2020 | $127,512 | Actual |
| 2021 | $126,857 | Actual |
| 2022 | $129,301 | Actual |
| 2023 | $134,317 | Actual |
| 2024 | $138,833 | Actual |
| 2025 | $144,778 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $148,499 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $152,315 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Winchester metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $120,247 (2019) to $144,778 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $152,315 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,068 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winchester 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) | $86,129 – $106,919 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $106,919 – $148,499 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $148,499 – $187,175 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $187,175 – $206,403 |
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 Winchester
Despite the attractive compensation, the job market for air traffic controllers in Winchester is relatively small, with only four controllers currently employed in the area. The cost of living index stands at 103.2, indicating that while wages may offer a competitive edge in a wider context, local purchasing power can be eroded by higher living expenses. The highest-paying positions typically exist within FAA en route centers or terminal radar approach facilities, which manage substantial air traffic volumes. Variance in pay can arise from factors such as facility type, controller certification status, and additional shifts worked, with en route facilities generally offering higher pay scales. To maximize income in Winchester, controllers should consider overtime opportunities and seek certifications that elevate their pay bands, particularly as staffing shortages continue to create demand for compensation adjustments.
More salary data for Winchester, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do air traffic controllers make in Winchester, VA in 2026?
Is Winchester, VA a good place to work as a air traffic controller?
Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Winchester?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted air traffic controller salary in Winchester?
How much does a air traffic controller make per hour in Winchester?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 $144,778 for air traffic controllersin the Winchester 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 Winchester 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