Alexandria vs Richmond: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Alexandria, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alexandria, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $177,850▲ | $160,797 |
| Hourly Rate | $85.50▲ | $77.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,154▲ | $93,262 |
| 25th Percentile | $128,052▲ | $115,774 |
| 75th Percentile | $227,648▲ | $205,820 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $265,456▲ | $238,256 |
| Total Employed | 26 | 33▲ |
Verdict
Alexandria, VA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Alexandria and Richmond is $17,053 (10.61%). Alexandria's median is +17.09% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alexandria spans $162,302,Richmond spans $144,994. Alexandria has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Alexandria ($172,335 effective) pays 10.61% more than Richmond ($155,811 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alexandria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($177,850/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($265,456)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $172,335)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Larger job market (33 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Alexandria grew 18.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.3% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Alexandria, VA
$146,760 (2024) → $173,394 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$150,331 (2024) → $156,768 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alexandria, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Alexandria or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Alexandria and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Alexandria to Richmond as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Alexandria vs Richmond?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov