Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Reston, VA: $73.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Reston, VA runs $73.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $153,286 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Reston's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $91,973 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Reston, Virginia, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly rate of $73.70, slightly above the national median of $73.02. This figure represents a significant earning potential, especially for part-time workers who may operate three days a week, allowing them to balance personal and professional responsibilities while still receiving robust compensation. With an hourly range spanning from $42.74 for entry-level positions to $107.29 for top earners, there's a clear opportunity for growth and advancement within this profession. Air traffic controllers typically work in various environments including en route centers and airport traffic control towers, where shifts often operate in both high-pressure and subdued settings. These hourly rates are grounded in comprehensive annual salary data, assuring prospective controllers in Reston of a relatively stable income trajectory given the ongoing demand.
About the Reston Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42.74 | $341.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.06 | $424.48 |
| Median (P50) | $73.70 | $589.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94.33 | $754.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107.29 | $858.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Reston
Based on $73.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $73.70/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Reston, VA can expect to earn approximately $153,289 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $88,436. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Reston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Reston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,947.86 | $12,774 | $153,289 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,768.72 | $7,664 | $91,973 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,179.14 | $5,110 | $61,316 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Reston) | $73.70 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Reston, VA earn a median of $153,286 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.92% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.20% below the Virginia state average of $156,734.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $73.70/hr = $91,973/year (purchasing power: $89,121).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $153,289/year (purchasing power: $148,536).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$59.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$71.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$73.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Reston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $71.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Reston grew 20.4% from $59.68/hr (2019) to $71.85/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $75.59/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Reston 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Reston
Examining the earning potential for part-time controllers illustrates a stark contrast between those who work full-time and those who opt for more flexible schedules. A three-day working week results in an approximate annual income that still amounts to a notable figure, leveraging the $73.70 hourly rate effectively. Overtime opportunities further enhance earnings for many of those in this role, particularly at FAA facilities suffering from chronic understaffing, where controllers often clock 50 to 60 hours a week, generating considerable additional income. Various employer types in Reston, such as FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and smaller FAA contract towers, offer unique advantages and challenges in pay structures. While some may favor lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, others might gravitate towards positions that compensate higher but lack such perks. Negotiation is key in securing optimal terms, and it's wise for air traffic controllers in Reston to remain informed about prevailing rates and preferences within this specialized field.
More salary data for Reston, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Reston. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Reston 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