Transportation & Logistics Virginia Beach, VA Pop. 449,974

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia

The median air traffic controller salary in Virginia Beach, VA is $140,128 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 1.9% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$140,128
vs State Avg
$-2,747
vs National
+$2,748
Cost of Living
102%

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

Virginia Beach offers a median air traffic controller salary of $140,128, which is $2,747 below the Virginia state average of $142,875. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Virginia Beach pays above average for this role.

Virginia Beach's cost of living is 102% 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 Virginia Beach spans from $83,640 at the 10th percentile to $201,960 at the 90th percentile — a $118,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $86,700, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $193,800. With a population of 449,974, Virginia Beach is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Virginia Beach by Experience

In Virginia Beach, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $86,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$86,700
+$1,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$142,800
+$2,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$193,800
+$3,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Virginia Beach, VA

Percentile Virginia Beach
10th Percentile $83,640
25th Percentile $110,160
Median (50th) $140,128
75th Percentile $178,500
90th Percentile $201,960

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$181,342
Pop. 238,643
Richmond, VA
$137,380
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$134,632
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$131,885
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Virginia Beach

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Virginia Beach

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Virginia Beach, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Virginia Beach

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia is $140,128 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $83,640 (10th percentile) to $201,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Virginia Beach? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $140,128, a air traffic controller in Virginia Beach earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Virginia Beach compare to the Virginia state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Virginia Beach's median air traffic controller salary of $140,128 is 1.9% below the Virginia state average of $142,875. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
Virginia Beach has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $140,128 in Virginia Beach has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Virginia Beach? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Virginia Beach 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.