Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in East Honolulu, HI: $100,890 (2026)

In East Honolulu, the key employers for new air traffic controllers are primarily the FAA, which recruits through multiple pathways including public bidding for "off-the-street" hiring and the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program in partnership with select universities. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and typically under age 31, unless they are military veterans, who have additional options for a smoother transition into the role. To enhance starting pay in HI, candidates should prioritize obtaining the necessary credentials such as passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) and completing the Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy. The first year or two for air traffic controllers can be pivotal, as they work under the FG pay scale, distinct from the GS scale, which emphasizes that career advancement often involves overtime, especially in a market grappling with chronic staffing shortages since the 2013 sequester. Realistically, new graduates can expect salary growth as they move into more advanced roles, following a structured path that leads to Certified Professional Controller (CPC) status, typically achieved within 1 to 3 years.