Air Traffic Controller Salary in Parkersburg, WV: $109,904 (2026)

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

Parkersburg offers a median air traffic controller salary of $109,904, which is $5,495 below the West Virginia state average of $115,399. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Parkersburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Parkersburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $109,904 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $137,380 in an average-cost city. This makes Parkersburg an attractive option for air traffic controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Parkersburg spans from $65,600 at the 10th percentile to $158,400 at the 90th percentile — a $92,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,000, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $152,000. Parkersburg is a smaller market (pop. 29,675), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Parkersburg by Experience

In Parkersburg, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $68,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $152,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$68,000

$-17,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$112,000

$-28,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$152,000

$-38,000 vs national

Percentile	Parkersburg	WV State	National
10th Percentile	$65,600	$68,880	$82,000
25th Percentile	$86,400	$90,720	$108,000
Median (50th)	$109,904	$115,399	$137,380
75th Percentile	$140,000	$147,000	$175,000
90th Percentile	$158,400	$166,320	$198,000

Percentile

Parkersburg

10th Percentile

$65,600

25th Percentile

$86,400

Median (50th)

$109,904

75th Percentile

$140,000

90th Percentile

$158,400

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Parkersburg

Education

Most air traffic controller positions require a bachelor's degree. Parkersburg and the surrounding West 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 Parkersburg may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Parkersburg

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Parkersburg, WV? ▼

The median air traffic controller salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia is $109,904 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $65,600 (10th percentile) to $158,400 (90th percentile).

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Parkersburg? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $109,904, a air traffic controller in Parkersburg earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Parkersburg compare to the West Virginia state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼

Parkersburg's median air traffic controller salary of $109,904 is 4.8% below the West Virginia state average of $115,399. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Parkersburg, WV? ▼

Parkersburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $109,904 in Parkersburg 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 Parkersburg? ▼

Most air traffic controller positions in Parkersburg 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.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia