Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Lake Stevens, WA: $91,808 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Lake Stevens, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $91,808 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lake Stevens's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,482 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($157,769) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Considering the entry-level air traffic controller salary in Lake Stevens, WA, new graduates can expect to begin their careers with a starting pay of approximately $91,808 in 2026. This figure falls short of the local median annual salary of $157,769; however, it lays a foundation for growth. Over the first few years, controllers can realistically anticipate salary increases, moving from the lower percentiles ($116,551 at P25) to the median as they gain experience and establish themselves in the field. The air traffic control job market in Lake Stevens is currently favorable for new graduates, especially with various pathways into the profession available through the FAA and its partnerships with educational institutions.
About the Lake Stevens Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lake Stevens
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lake Stevens
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Lake Stevens, WA typically start between $91,808 and $116,551 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $124,493 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $157,769 — 3.87% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Washington of $48,000 represents just 52.28% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($91,808/year) in Lake Stevens. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover AT-CTI associate or bachelor's degree tuition. FAA Academy training is provided at no tuition cost to accepted candidates, who are paid as federal trainees. Military ATC experience can substitute for CTI schooling.
ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Lake Stevens
- 1Research the Lake Stevens market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $91,808 to $116,551, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the aviation field — employers in WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lake Stevens, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Lake Stevens for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lake Stevens's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Air Traffic Controller Compensation Range
The air traffic controller wage spread in Lake Stevens is $124,493 ( 135.60%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $91,808, experienced hygienists can earn up to $216,301.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$77,991
2025 BLS Actual
$89,508
2026 Current Est.
$91,808
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lake Stevens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,991 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,048 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,043 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,995 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,963 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,190 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,508 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,808 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,168 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Lake Stevens, WA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $77,991 in 2019 to $89,508 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $94,168. New graduates entering the Lake Stevens job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Stevens metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your aviation Career in Lake Stevens
Employers in Lake Stevens primarily include the FAA, which recruits air traffic controllers through both public bid announcements and the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) with select universities. New entrants must be under 31, or military veterans can utilize the Veterans Recruitment Authority for a smoother pathway into the FAA. To enhance entry-level pay and job security, aspiring controllers should pursue the necessary credentials: U.S. citizenship, passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA), and completing Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy. The first 1-3 years in this profession typically involve facility-specific training lasting 1-3 years, ultimately qualifying employees as full Certified Professional Controllers (CPC). Although the immediate starting air traffic controller salary in Lake Stevens is modest, proactive strategies such as focusing on higher-demand facilities, developing specialized skills, and taking advantage of overtime can significantly elevate earnings in a role characterized by a mandatory retirement age of 56 and ongoing workforce demands, particularly following recent staffing shortages experienced by the FAA.
More salary data for Lake Stevens, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new aviation graduates. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Lake Stevens. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lake Stevens is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov