Transportation & Logistics Norfolk, VA Pop. 238,005

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Norfolk, Virginia

The median air traffic controller salary in Norfolk, VA is $131,885 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 7.7% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$131,885
vs State Avg
$-10,990
vs National
$-5,495
Cost of Living
96%

Air Traffic Controller Pay in Norfolk: What to Expect (2026)

Norfolk offers a median air traffic controller salary of $131,885, which is $10,990 below the Virginia state average of $142,875. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Norfolk pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Norfolk's cost of living is 96% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Norfolk spans from $78,720 at the 10th percentile to $190,080 at the 90th percentile — a $111,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $81,600, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $182,400. With a population of 238,005, Norfolk is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Norfolk by Experience

In Norfolk, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $81,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $182,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$81,600
$-3,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$134,400
$-5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$182,400
$-7,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Norfolk, VA

Percentile Norfolk
10th Percentile $78,720
25th Percentile $103,680
Median (50th) $131,885
75th Percentile $168,000
90th Percentile $190,080

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$181,342
Pop. 238,643
Virginia Beach, VA
$140,128
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$137,380
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$134,632
Pop. 249,422

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Norfolk

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Norfolk and the surrounding Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Radar SystemsCommunicationDecision MakingStress ManagementFAA RegulationsSituational Awareness

Job Outlook

Nationally, air traffic controller employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Norfolk may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Norfolk

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Norfolk, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Norfolk

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Norfolk, VA? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Norfolk, Virginia is $131,885 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $78,720 (10th percentile) to $190,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Norfolk? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $131,885, a air traffic controller in Norfolk earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Norfolk compare to the Virginia state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Norfolk's median air traffic controller salary of $131,885 is 7.7% below the Virginia state average of $142,875. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Norfolk, VA? ▼
Norfolk has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $131,885 in Norfolk has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Norfolk? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Norfolk require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Radar Systems, Communication, Decision Making, Stress Management. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.