Air Traffic Controller Salary in Norfolk, VA: $124,119 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Norfolk, VA earns a median $124,119/year (≈ $59.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Norfolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $120,270 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 20.8% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the air traffic controller salary in Norfolk, VA, is projected to reach a median of $124,119. This figure reflects the realities of a demanding job often requiring controllers to work 50 to 60-hour weeks due to chronic understaffing, which drives up effective compensation. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $71,989 and experienced controllers earning up to $188,851. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, highlight that pay in Norfolk lags behind the national median of $151,886, offering an insight into the local labor market's competitive landscape for air traffic controllers.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,989 | $34.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,365 | $42.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $124,119 | $59.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $158,873 | $76.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $188,851 | $90.79 |
Median Salary Position
18.28% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Norfolk
In Norfolk, VA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $116,862 (2026 est.). At $124,119, the local median is 18.28% below the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Norfolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Norfolk Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Norfolk median: $124,119/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Norfolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $156,716 | -20.80% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | -18.28% less |
Air Traffic Controllers in Norfolk, VA earn a median of $124,119 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.28% lower than the national median of $151,886 and 20.80% below the Virginia state average of $156,716.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Norfolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Norfolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $124,119 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $120,270 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$100,506
2025 BLS Actual
$121,009
2026 Current Est.
$124,119
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,506 | Actual |
| 2020 | $106,577 | Actual |
| 2021 | $106,030 | Actual |
| 2022 | $108,073 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,265 | Actual |
| 2024 | $153,192 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,009 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,119 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $127,309 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Norfolk metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $100,506 (2019) to $121,009 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $127,309 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,803 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk 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) | $71,989 – $89,365 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,365 – $124,119 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $124,119 – $158,873 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $158,873 – $188,851 |
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 Norfolk
The job market for air traffic controllers in Norfolk presently employs 54 individuals, a reflection of both demand and the regional economy. With a cost-of-living index sitting at 103.2—above the national average—controller salaries must stretch further to maintain purchasing power. Employers vary in pay, with FAA ARTCC facilities typically offering the highest compensation, followed by TRACONs and ATCTs. The pay range is influenced by factors such as facility level, certification status, and various shift differentials that can significantly augment base salaries. Controllers willing to work overtime will discover lucrative opportunities, as mandatory hours remain prevalent. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing positions at higher-tier facilities and capitalizing on overtime and holiday shifts can substantially improve air traffic controller pay in Norfolk, VA.
More salary data for Norfolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can air traffic controllers make $100K in Norfolk?
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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 $121,009 for air traffic controllersin the Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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