Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Moses Lake, WA: $91,406 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Moses Lake, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $91,406 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moses Lake's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,108 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($157,364) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the air traffic control field in Moses Lake, WA, the starting air traffic controller salary in 2026 is projected at $91,406, with potential upward movement as they gain experience. Early-career professionals can expect to see their earnings rise towards the 25th percentile mark of $115,761 within a few years. Given the median annual salary in Moses Lake is $157,364, this starting figure offers a reasonable foundation, particularly for recent graduates who may not yet see the higher-end figures that experienced controllers attain. The area currently presents a unique opportunity for newcomers due to a growth rate of 2.57%, indicating that the job market is moving positively for aspiring controllers in this region.
About the Moses Lake Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moses Lake
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 Moses Lake
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Moses Lake, WA typically start between $91,406 and $115,761 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $132,862 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $157,364 — 3.61% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Washington of $48,000 represents just 52.51% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($91,406/year) in Moses Lake. 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 Moses Lake
- 1Research the Moses Lake market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $91,406 to $115,761, 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 Moses Lake, 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 Moses Lake for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moses Lake'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 Moses Lake is $132,862 ( 145.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $91,406, experienced hygienists can earn up to $224,268.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$77,650
2025 BLS Actual
$89,116
2026 Current Est.
$91,406
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Moses Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,650 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,684 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,684 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,627 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,582 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,945 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,116 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,406 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,755 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Moses Lake, WA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $77,650 in 2019 to $89,116 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $93,755. New graduates entering the Moses Lake job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moses Lake 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 Moses Lake
In Moses Lake, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) serves as the primary employer for new air traffic controllers, with recruitment occurring through various pathways, including public bid windows and partnerships with the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI). Applicants must be U.S. citizens, within the age limit of 31 years (unless a military veteran), and must hold relevant degrees or equivalent experience. Once on board, controllers undergo Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy, followed by facility-specific training that can stretch over several years. While starting pay may not reflect the higher salaries found in busy en route facilities, controllers can anticipate a structured career path that leads to substantial salary increments as they progress towards full certification. Furthermore, the unique staffing challenges faced by the FAA in light of chronic understaffing means that motivated individuals may find opportunities for overtime, significantly enhancing their earnings during the critical early years of their careers.
More salary data for Moses Lake, 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 Moses Lake. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moses Lake 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