Air Traffic Controller Salary in Charleston, WV: $122,707 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Charleston, WV earns a median $122,707/year (≈ $59.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Charleston's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.5), that paycheck buys what $141,858 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the West Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Prospective air traffic controllers considering a career in Charleston, West Virginia will find a competitive salary landscape in 2026, with a median annual income of $122,707. This figure reflects local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parities. The salary range for air traffic controllers in Charleston spans from $71,170 at the 10th percentile to $172,515 at the 90th percentile, providing a clear illustration of pay variability within this role. Although these figures are lower than the national median of $151,886, Charleston's emerging job market shows promise within this niche, especially as the demand for experienced controllers grows.
About the Charleston Market
Salary estimated from West Virginia average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,170 | $34.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,349 | $42.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,707 | $59.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $155,581 | $74.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $172,515 | $82.94 |
Median Salary Position
19.21% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Charleston
In Charleston, WV, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $101,345 (2026 est.). At $122,707, the local median is 19.21% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Charleston: You'd be above the median
How Charleston Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Charleston median: $122,707/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Charleston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Average | $124,575 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -19.21% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Charleston, WV earn a median of $122,707 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.21% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 1.50% below the West Virginia state average of $124,575.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Charleston has a cost of living 13.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Charleston, WV has a cost-of-living index of 86.5 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $122,707 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $141,858 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$99,362
2025 BLS Actual
$119,632
2026 Current Est.
$122,707
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,362 | Actual |
| 2020 | $105,365 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,823 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,843 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,988 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,946 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,632 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,707 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $125,860 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Charleston metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $99,362 (2019) to $119,632 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $125,860 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,498 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Charleston 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) | $71,170 – $88,349 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,349 – $122,707 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,707 – $155,581 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $155,581 – $172,515 |
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 Charleston
The local air traffic controller job market currently employs ten professionals, highlighting a tightly-knit community amidst ongoing staffing challenges in the FAA. With a cost-of-living index of 86.5, controllers in Charleston experience better purchasing power compared to many major urban centers. However, those seeking to maximize their air traffic controller pay in Charleston, WV, should consider the differences in pay across facility types. En route centers generally offer higher salaries compared to terminal and tower facilities. Pursuing Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status is a smart move, boosting pay beyond the 65-75% of CPC levels typically associated with developmentals. Shift differentials and abundant overtime further enhance earnings, making it crucial for controllers to strategically plan their schedules to capitalize on these opportunities while navigating their career path within the FAA structure.
More salary data for Charleston, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in West 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 $119,632 for air traffic controllersin the Charleston 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 Charleston 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