Air Traffic Controller Salary in Tuckahoe, VA: $153,680 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time air traffic controller in Tuckahoe, VA earns a median $153,680/year (≈ $73.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Once you factor in Tuckahoe's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $148,915 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $153,680 in 2026, air traffic controller pay in Tuckahoe, VA, reflects both local demand and the structure of the role within varying tiers of air traffic facilities. The salary range for these professionals stretches from $89,134 at the 10th percentile to $214,772 at the 90th percentile, representing the diverse opportunities available based on experience and facility type. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities, indicate a competitive market for air traffic controllers in Tuckahoe. Those working in en route facilities, especially Level 12 positions, typically earn higher compensation compared to their counterparts in terminal or tower settings, setting the stage for a robust job market here.
About the Tuckahoe Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($142,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,134 | $42.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $110,649 | $53.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $153,680 | $73.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $194,068 | $93.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $214,772 | $103.26 |
Median Salary Position
1.18% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tuckahoe
In Tuckahoe, VA, the air traffic controller salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $125,638 (2026 est.). At $153,680, the local median is 1.18% above the national median of $151,886.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tuckahoe: You'd be above the median
How Tuckahoe Air Traffic Controller Pay Compares
Tuckahoe median: $153,680/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tuckahoe Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $156,816 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $151,886 | +1.18% more |
Air Traffic Controllers in Tuckahoe, VA earn a median of $153,680 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.18% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.00% below the Virginia state average of $156,816.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tuckahoe has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tuckahoe, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $153,680 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $148,915 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$124,443
2025 BLS Actual
$149,829
2026 Current Est.
$153,680
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Tuckahoe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $124,443 | Actual |
| 2020 | $131,960 | Actual |
| 2021 | $131,283 | Actual |
| 2022 | $133,812 | Actual |
| 2023 | $139,003 | Actual |
| 2024 | $143,677 | Actual |
| 2025 | $149,829 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $153,680 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $157,629 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tuckahoe metropolitan area, the median air traffic controller salary grew 20.4% from $124,443 (2019) to $149,829 (2025). At a 2.57% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $157,629 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,186 (26.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tuckahoe 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) | $89,134 – $110,649 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $110,649 – $153,680 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $153,680 – $194,068 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $194,068 – $214,772 |
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 Tuckahoe
In Tuckahoe, there are currently 10 air traffic controllers navigating a professional environment marked by a cost-of-living index of 103.2, which suggests that expenses are slightly above the national average. This factor should be considered as controllers establish their compensation strategies. Employers that are likely to offer higher salaries include FAA en route centers that manage high-altitude traffic, as well as military air traffic control positions, which may come with unique benefits. The notable salary variability stems from facility levels—controllers at en route Level 12 facilities often see significantly higher pay compared to those in facility Level 7 tower roles. Additionally, CPC certification status, shift differentials, and mandatory overtime play a critical role in income fluctuations. For air traffic controllers in Tuckahoe, focusing on gaining experience in more complex airspaces, pursuing CPC status, and being flexible with shifts could lead to enhanced earning potential in a competitive and growing market.
More salary data for Tuckahoe, 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
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 $149,829 for air traffic controllersin the Tuckahoe 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 Tuckahoe 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