Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Richland, WA: $95,619 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Richland, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $95,619 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Richland's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $89,031 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($164,860) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting air traffic controller salary in Richland, WA, is projected to be around $95,619, which new graduates should consider as their entry point into this high-stakes profession. This entry-level salary is significantly lower than the city’s median annual earnings of $164,860. Nevertheless, the potential for growth over the first few years is promising, with opportunities to progress to about $118,699 at the 25th percentile and eventually reach the median salary as they gain experience. Given the current market conditions in Richland, this is a viable option for new graduates looking to establish themselves in a career that is critical to aviation and public safety.
About the Richland Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Richland
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 Richland
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Richland, WA typically start between $95,619 and $118,699 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $138,791 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $164,860 — 8.54% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Washington of $48,000 represents just 50.20% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($95,619/year) in Richland. 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 Richland
- 1Research the Richland market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $95,619 to $118,699, 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 Richland, 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 Richland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Richland'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 Richland is $138,791 ( 145.15%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $95,619, experienced hygienists can earn up to $234,410.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$81,228
2025 BLS Actual
$93,223
2026 Current Est.
$95,619
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Richland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,228 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,495 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,448 | Actual |
| 2022 | $87,481 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,572 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,468 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,223 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,619 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,076 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Richland, WA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $81,228 in 2019 to $93,223 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $98,076. New graduates entering the Richland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richland 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 Richland
The recruiting landscape for entry-level air traffic controllers in Richland primarily centers on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). They hire through periodic public bid windows for 'off-the-street' applicants who must be under 31, unless they are veterans. Additionally, qualified candidates can enter through the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program, which connects selected universities with FAA training pathways. To maximize starting pay in WA, candidates should ensure they meet the necessary credentials, including US citizenship, passing the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test, and successful completion of Initial Qualification Training at the FAA Academy. Over the first few years, controllers often see salary growth as they transition from initial lower-tier positions to more advanced certifications, which can significantly increase their pay potential. Given the mandatory retirement age of 56, motivated controllers in this field can strive for long-term financial success, especially in high-demand facilities where total compensation can surpass $300,000 with overtime.
More salary data for Richland, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for air traffic controllers in Richland in 2026?
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Is aviation school worth it in Richland?
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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 Richland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Richland 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