Air Traffic Controller Salary in South Charleston, WV: $119,380 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in South Charleston, WV earns a median $119,380/year (≈ $57.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in South Charleston's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.5), that paycheck buys what $138,012 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the West Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Charleston, WV, the projected median annual air traffic controller salary for 2026 is $119,380, which reflects a notable gap of approximately 21.40% below the national median of $151,886. This salary range spans from $69,241 at the 10th percentile to $159,451 at the 90th percentile, indicating that while entry-level positions may start on the lower end, experienced controllers can achieve considerable earnings. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economic conditions, highlight the compensation dynamics prevalent in South Charleston's air traffic control sector, which is influenced by facility type, such as en route Level 12 vs. terminal or tower facilities. Understanding these distinctions can significantly impact a controller's career trajectory and potential earnings within the local market.
About the South Charleston Market
Salary estimated from West Virginia average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,241 | $33.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,954 | $41.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $119,380 | $57.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $147,027 | $70.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $159,451 | $76.66 |
Median Salary Position
21.4% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Charleston
In South Charleston, WV, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $90,210 (2026 est.). At $119,380, the local median is 21.4% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Charleston: You'd be above the median
How South Charleston Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
South Charleston median: $119,380/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Charleston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Average | $124,614 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -21.40% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in South Charleston, WV earn a median of $119,380 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.40% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 4.20% below the West Virginia state average of $124,614.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South 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.
South Charleston, WV has a cost-of-living index of 86.5 (below the national average of 100). A air traffic controller earning $119,380 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $138,012 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$96,669
2025 BLS Actual
$116,389
2026 Current Est.
$119,380
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in South Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96,669 | Actual |
| 2020 | $102,508 | Actual |
| 2021 | $101,982 | Actual |
| 2022 | $103,947 | Actual |
| 2023 | $107,979 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,291 | Actual |
| 2025 | $116,389 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $119,380 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $122,448 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Charleston metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $96,669 (2019) to $116,389 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $122,448 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,779 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South 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) | $69,241 – $85,954 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,954 – $119,380 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $119,380 – $147,027 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $147,027 – $159,451 |
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 South Charleston
The local job market in South Charleston employs only 5 air traffic controllers, emphasizing a small, competitive workforce in this field. With a cost-of-living index of 86.5, residents generally experience lower living expenses, enhancing the value of their salaries in this region. Among potential employers, those within the FAA en route centers typically offer the highest pay, reflecting the complexity and demands of managing high-altitude air traffic. Factors contributing to the disparity in pay within the local market include facility level, certifications, and additional compensation for night and holiday shifts. To maximize earnings in South Charleston, air traffic controllers should consider pursuing CPC certification and actively seek overtime shifts, which are more common given ongoing staffing challenges in the field. Understanding these market specifics can aid aspiring controllers in negotiations and career planning.
More salary data for South Charleston, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $116,389 for air traffic controllersin the South 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 South 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