Entry-Level Air Traffic Controller Salary in Walla Walla, WA: $89,810 (2026)
Quick Answer:New air traffic controllers entering the Walla Walla, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $89,810 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 53-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Walla Walla's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,622 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($154,846) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those just starting their careers as air traffic controllers in Walla Walla, Washington, the entry-level air traffic controller salary in 2026 is projected to be approximately $89,810. While this figure may initially seem modest compared to the city's median annual salary of $154,846, it represents an expected growth trajectory through the initial years of service. New graduates can realistically anticipate an increase to around $111,489 as they gain experience, potentially reaching the median salary more rapidly within three to five years. Given the favorable market conditions for air traffic control positions in Walla Walla, this career path appears to be promising for new entrants looking to establish themselves in the field.
About the Walla Walla Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Walla Walla
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 Walla Walla
Entry-level air traffic controllers in Walla Walla, WA typically start between $89,810 and $111,489 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $126,088 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $154,846 — 1.95% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average aviation program cost in Washington of $48,000 represents just 53.45% of the starting air traffic controller pay ($89,810/year) in Walla Walla. 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 Walla Walla
- 1Research the Walla Walla market: entry-level air traffic controller pay ranges from $89,810 to $111,489, 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 Walla Walla, 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 Walla Walla for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Walla Walla'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 Walla Walla is $126,088 ( 140.39%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $89,810, experienced hygienists can earn up to $215,898.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$76,294
2025 BLS Actual
$87,560
2026 Current Est.
$89,810
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Walla Walla (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,294 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,240 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,258 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,167 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,070 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,426 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,560 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,810 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,118 | Projected |
Entry-level air traffic controller compensation (10th percentile) in Walla Walla, WA grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $76,294 in 2019 to $87,560 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $92,118. New graduates entering the Walla Walla job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Walla Walla 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 Walla Walla
In Walla Walla, prospective air traffic controllers can find opportunities primarily through the FAA, which recruits new graduates via periodic public hiring announcements known as "off-the-street" hiring. To apply, candidates generally must be under age 31 unless they are military veterans. Additionally, the FAA partners with selected universities in the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program, creating pathways for students. Credentials such as US citizenship, a bachelor's degree or significant experience, and successful completion of the FAA Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (ATSA) are crucial. The career trajectory offers considerable salary growth potential, especially in major en route facilities, where experienced controllers can earn well over $130,000 annually. In Walla Walla, entry into air traffic control means embarking on a stable path, bolstered by ongoing training and clear advancement opportunities, while responding to the sector's needs driven by chronic understaffing challenges.
More salary data for Walla Walla, 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 Walla Walla. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Walla Walla 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