Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Lakewood, WA: $93,483 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Lakewood, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $93,483 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lakewood's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $87,042 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($161,177) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a starting air traffic controller salary in Lakewood projected at $93,483 for 2026, new graduates entering this profession should set realistic expectations. While this entry-level figure is substantially lower than the city’s median salary of $161,177, it’s essential to view the growth potential. As early-career controllers accumulate experience, they can anticipate gradual salary increases, moving from the P25 estimated salary of $117,455 within a few years towards the median. For fresh graduates, Lakewood presents a somewhat favorable market, as this competitive entry-level compensation aligns positively when compared to the national median annual salary of $151,886, offering a slight advancement of approximately 6.12%.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lakewood
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 Lakewood
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Lakewood, WA typically start between $93,483 and $117,455 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $144,872 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $161,177 — 6.12% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Washington of $48,000 represents just 51.35% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($93,483/year) in Lakewood. 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 Lakewood
- 1Research the Lakewood market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $93,483 to $117,455, 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 Lakewood, 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 Lakewood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lakewood'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 Lakewood is $144,872 ( 154.97%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $93,483, experienced hygienists can earn up to $238,355.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$79,414
2025 BLS Actual
$91,141
2026 Current Est.
$93,483
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,414 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,563 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,540 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,527 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,549 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,246 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,141 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,483 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,886 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Lakewood, WA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $79,414 in 2019 to $91,141 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $95,886. New graduates entering the Lakewood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Employment opportunities for aspiring air traffic controllers in Lakewood predominantly arise through the FAA, which typically hires new graduates via the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) partnerships or through public bid windows for "off-the-street" applicants under 31. Additionally, military veterans have unique pathways to entry. To boost their starting pay in Washington, candidates need to secure US citizenship, meet educational requirements, and successfully pass the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA). After initial training at the FAA Academy, which lasts between 3 and 5 months, controllers undergo facility-specific training for 1-3 years before becoming fully certified. Given that FAA controllers are placed on the FG pay scale, they can expect competitive salaries in top-tier en route facilities—potentially reaching $200k-$300k with overtime in major centers. Understanding the industry's chronic staffing shortages post-2013, entry-level professionals can expect steady growth in their first few years, positioning them favorably in a market with ongoing demand.
More salary data for Lakewood, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Lakewood in 2026?
How fast do air traffic controller salaries grow in Lakewood?
Is aviation school worth it in Lakewood?
What do new air traffic controllers make right out of school in Lakewood?
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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 Lakewood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lakewood 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