Transportation & Logistics Wheeling, WV Pop. 26,711

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Wheeling, West Virginia

The median air traffic controller salary in Wheeling, WV is $107,156 per year, which is 22% below the national median and 7.1% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$107,156
vs State Avg
$-8,243
vs National
$-30,224
Cost of Living
78%

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

Wheeling offers a median air traffic controller salary of $107,156, which is $8,243 below the West Virginia state average of $115,399. Compared to the national median of $137,380, Wheeling pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Wheeling's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 78% of the national average. This means the $107,156 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $137,379 in an average-cost city. This makes Wheeling an attractive option for air traffic controllers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Wheeling spans from $63,960 at the 10th percentile to $154,440 at the 90th percentile — a $90,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $66,300, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $148,200. Wheeling is a smaller market (pop. 26,711), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Wheeling by Experience

In Wheeling, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $66,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $148,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$66,300
$-18,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$109,200
$-30,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$148,200
$-41,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wheeling, WV

Percentile Wheeling
10th Percentile $63,960
25th Percentile $84,240
Median (50th) $107,156
75th Percentile $136,500
90th Percentile $154,440

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

Morgantown, WV
$123,642
Pop. 30,955
Charleston, WV
$120,894
Pop. 48,006
Huntington, WV
$112,652
Pop. 46,842
Parkersburg, WV
$109,904
Pop. 29,675

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Wheeling

Education

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

Find Air Traffic Controller Jobs in Wheeling

Browse open air traffic controller positions in Wheeling, WV:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Wheeling

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Wheeling, WV? ▼
The median air traffic controller salary in Wheeling, West Virginia is $107,156 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $63,960 (10th percentile) to $154,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Wheeling? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $107,156, a air traffic controller in Wheeling earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wheeling compare to the West Virginia state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼
Wheeling's median air traffic controller salary of $107,156 is 7.1% below the West Virginia state average of $115,399. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wheeling, WV? ▼
Wheeling has a cost of living index of 78% compared to the national average. This means a air traffic controller salary of $107,156 in Wheeling 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 Wheeling? ▼
Most air traffic controller positions in Wheeling 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.