How Much Does a Control Tower Operator Make in Virginia?

Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Control Tower Operator in Virginia is $48,076. While Salary.com is seeing that Control Tower Operator salary in VA can go up to $58,630 or down to $42,645, but most earn between $45,233 and $53,601. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Related Job Titles to Control Tower Operator
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Master Control Operator
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Control Room Operator
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Similar Job Salaries to Control Tower Operator by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
Hampton Roads Connector Partners
Tower Crane Operator
$82,996/yr
$73,189
$92,803
RANGE: $73,189 - $92,803
$86,531/yr
$78,197
$94,865
RANGE: $78,197 - $94,865
Hire Aviation
Control Tower Operator
$61,969/yr
$55,016
$68,921
RANGE: $55,016 - $68,921
Alakaina Family of Companies
Control Tower Operator
$71,941/yr
$63,546
$80,335
RANGE: $63,546 - $80,335
Dominion Energy
Control Room Operator-Nuclear
$47,112/yr
$42,405
$51,819
RANGE: $42,405 - $51,819
Constellis
Security Control Center Operator
$51,076/yr
$45,204
$56,948
RANGE: $45,204 - $56,948
CBN Brand
Broadcast Transmission Control Operator
$47,023/yr
$42,650
$51,397
RANGE: $42,650 - $51,397
Siemens Energy
Generation Control Room Operator
$57,489/yr
$51,691
$63,287
RANGE: $51,691 - $63,287
Sinclair Broadcast Group
Master Control Operator
$43,921/yr
$39,638
$48,205
RANGE: $39,638 - $48,205

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Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Control Tower Operator Jobs in Virginia

It is important to understand how location impacts your career prospects in the United States. There are some cities where a Control Tower Operator can find a job easily with a greater salary paid then achieve a higher standard of living. Below is the top cities list for Control Tower Operator job salaries in Virginia. Some cities can pay higher salaries for Control Tower Operator jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Control Tower Operator positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Control Tower Operator salary is higher than other cities in Virginia. Arlington takes first place in this list, followed by Alexandria, Annandale. The Control Tower Operator salary is $52,860 in Arlington, which is higher than the national average. There are 5 cities' Control Tower Operator salary higher than national average in Virginia.
The average salary for a Control Tower Operator in Virginia is $48,076, but we found that the city with the highest salary for Control Tower Operator jobs is Arlington, VA, and it is higher than Alexandria. Control Tower Operator jobs in Arlington can have the opportunity to earn higher salaries than in other cities in Virginia.
CITY ANNUAL SALARY MONTHLY PAY WEEKLY PAY HOURLY WAGE
Arlington $52,860 $4,405 $1,017 $25
Alexandria $52,860 $4,405 $1,017 $25
Annandale $52,860 $4,405 $1,017 $25
Reston $52,764 $4,397 $1,015 $25
Centreville $52,669 $4,389 $1,013 $25
Richmond $46,462 $3,872 $894 $22
Petersburg $46,319 $3,860 $891 $22
Virginia State University $46,319 $3,860 $891 $22
Virginia Beach $45,498 $3,791 $875 $22
Newport News $44,882 $3,740 $863 $22

What Does a Control Tower Operator Do?

Control tower operators are regulated and managed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as you are responsible for the safety of commercial and private aircraft within the United States and international airspace under U.S.
Updated November 28, 2021
As aircraft move in and out of the terminal airspace, they are handed off to the next appropriate control facility (a control tower, an en-route control facility, or a bordering terminal or approach control).
Updated October 30, 2021
The FAA retains strict eligibility requirements for those interested in a control tower operator certificate.
Updated December 20, 2021
Within the tower, a highly disciplined communications process between air control and ground control is an absolute necessity.
Updated December 20, 2021
In this case, the en-route center or a neighboring terminal or approach control may co-ordinate directly with the tower on the airport and vector inbound aircraft to a position from where they can land visually.
Updated December 10, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Control Tower Operator Salaries

What is the average of a Control Tower Operator in Virginia?

The Control Tower Operator salary range is from $45,233 to $53,601, and the average Control Tower Operator salary is $48,076/year in Virginia. The Control Tower Operator's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Control Tower Operator salary in the United States?

The Control Tower Operator salary in San Jose, CA is $60,217 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Control Tower Operator's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Control Tower Operator.

What is the growth rate of the Control Tower Operator's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Control Tower Operator or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Control Tower Operator.