Senior Air Traffic Controller Salary in Fredericksburg, VA: $220,554 (2026)

Diving into the specifics, specializations within air traffic control in Fredericksburg play a crucial role in determining pay levels. Controllers focusing on en route and radar traffic often find themselves in the highest pay tier, while those involved with terminal radar, tower operations, and military ATC also command considerable salaries. Senior controllers employed by FAA en route centers or TRACONs can expect variable compensation, largely influenced by their roles and the type of facility. Career advancement options further enhance earning potential, allowing controllers to ascend from developmental positions through roles like traffic management coordinator and operations supervisor to high-level managerial positions. Obtaining specific credentials such as CPC certification and engaging in recurrent training significantly bolster salary prospects. With the chronic understaffing in air traffic control, especially since the 2013 sequester, overtime opportunities abound, allowing for substantial financial growth beyond base salaries. This environment, paired with the federal employees' benefits structure, ensures that senior air traffic controller pay in VA remains competitive within the broader national context.