Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Springfield, VA: $72.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Springfield, VA runs $72.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $150,895 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Springfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $90,540 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Springfield, Virginia, the hourly pay for air traffic controllers stands at $72.55, slightly below the national average of $73.02. For those in part-time or per-diem roles, this competitive rate translates to substantial earnings, particularly when shifts cover essential operations at en route centers or busy airport control towers. The hourly wage can vary significantly throughout the profession; entry-level controllers earn about $42.07, with top earners making as much as $103.28 per hour. These figures showcase the profession's potential, especially for controllers in a dynamic work environment that includes radar consoles in controlled settings and traffic management cells. Given the demanding nature of air traffic control, the compensation reflects both experience and the critical nature of the role.
About the Springfield 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) | $42.07 | $336.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.18 | $425.46 |
| Median (P50) | $72.55 | $580.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92.76 | $742.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.28 | $826.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Springfield
Based on $72.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $72.55/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Springfield, VA can expect to earn approximately $150,899 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $87,057. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Springfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Springfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,901.91 | $12,575 | $150,899 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,741.15 | $7,545 | $90,540 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,160.76 | $5,030 | $60,360 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Springfield) | $72.55 |
| 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 Springfield, VA earn a median of $150,895 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.65% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 3.70% below the Virginia state average of $156,692.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $72.55/hr = $90,540/year (purchasing power: $87,732).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $150,899/year (purchasing power: $146,220).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$70.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$72.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $70.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Springfield grew 20.4% from $58.75/hr (2019) to $70.73/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.41/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 Springfield 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 Springfield
For those considering part-time air traffic control positions in Springfield, the financial outlook can vary widely, particularly when balancing hours worked each week. A controller working a 24-hour schedule over three days would bring home a significantly different income than their full-time counterparts. While base pay is attractive, many controllers often maximize their earnings through overtime, which can be paid at 1.5 times the base rate. This allows some controllers, particularly at facilities struggling with staffing shortages, to earn $50,000 to $100,000 annually in overtime alone. Various employment types also influence hourly rates; those working FAA en route centers, TRACONs, or military facilities face different pay structures. Additionally, some may choose between a higher hourly rate without benefits or a slightly lower rate with insurance options. Controllers need to leverage their negotiating skills based on facility type and workload expectations, ensuring they are compensated fairly in a field where effective pay rates reflect the critical demands of the job.
More salary data for Springfield, VA:
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
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 Springfield. 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 Springfield 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