Oak Harbor vs Seattle: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Oak Harbor, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oak Harbor, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $154,141 | $179,785▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $74.11 | $86.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,402 | $99,124▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $110,982 | $128,561▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $190,857 | $205,940▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $206,784 | $221,387▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 510▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oak Harbor.
The salary gap between Oak Harbor and Seattle is $25,644 (16.64%). Seattle's median is +18.37% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oak Harbor spans $117,382,Seattle spans $122,263. Seattle has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced air traffic controllers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Seattle ($161,775 effective) pays 12.72% more than Oak Harbor ($143,520 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oak Harbor if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($179,785/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($221,387)
- ✓Larger job market (510 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $161,775)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Oak Harbor grew -6.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Oak Harbor, WA
$160,346 (2024) → $150,279 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$145,780 (2020) → $175,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oak Harbor, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Oak Harbor or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oak Harbor and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Oak Harbor to Seattle as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Oak Harbor vs Seattle?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, ATO
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience as an air traffic controller. He specializes in terminal area control at a major airport.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov