Average Air Traffic Controllers Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Air Traffic Controllers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area earn a substantial average annual salary of $137,910. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $85,220, indicating a strong demand and higher compensation for this critical role within the region. The elevated pay is likely driven by the area's high concentration of air traffic and the complex operational environment.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $137,910 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $221,890.
- Outlook: The local job market for Air Traffic Controllers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area appears robust, evidenced by a total local workforce of 1,690 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 3.73, this region demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting sustained demand and a specialized labor pool.
Salary Overview
The average Air Traffic Controllers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+61.8%above the national average.
$66.3
$2,652
$11,493
Air Traffic Controllers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Air Traffic Controllers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increased air travel demand, evolving technology, and the critical nature of the role typically contribute to upward salary adjustments.
Air Traffic Controllers Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Salary progression for Air Traffic Controllers is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can achieve significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect this career trajectory, with senior controllers occupying the upper echelons of the pay scale.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $35,940 | $17.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $103,433 | $49.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $176,110 | $84.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $172,388 | $82.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $221,890 | $106.7 |
Detailed Air Traffic Controllers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$137,910
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$137,910
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $137,910 for Air Traffic Controllers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power directly against the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to national benchmarks.
Job Market Context
1,690
Total Jobs
0.541
Per 1K Jobs
3.73
Location Quotient
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 3.7x the national concentration of Air Traffic Controllers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 3.73 for Air Traffic Controllers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria region signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that the area employs a disproportionately larger number of these professionals than the national average, suggesting a competitive yet specialized environment with potentially ample opportunities for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Air Traffic Controllers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Air Traffic Controllers Salary | $145,500↑ 6% | 35 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Hiring Air Traffic Controllerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Air Traffic Controllers make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Air Traffic Controllers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $137,910. This typically ranges from $35,940 for entry-level positions to $221,890 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 61.8% higher than the national median of $85,220.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Air Traffic Controllerss?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative place for Air Traffic Controllers.The average salary of $137,910 is substantially higher than the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Air Traffic Controllers?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($145,500) and others.
How does the local Air Traffic Controller salary compare to the national average?
Air Traffic Controllers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area earn an average of $137,910 annually, which is significantly higher than the national average of $85,220.
What is the concentration of Air Traffic Controllers in this region?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 3.73, meaning there are over three times the number of Air Traffic Controllers in this region compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary for Air Traffic Controllers here?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $137,910 translates directly to strong purchasing power compared to the national standard.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate for Air Traffic Controllers?
With 0.541 jobs per 1,000 workers, this indicates a moderate presence of Air Traffic Controller roles relative to the overall workforce in the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,690 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 0.541 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Air Traffic Controllers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV