Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Bellevue, WA: $87.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Bellevue, WA runs $87.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $181,547 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Bellevue's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $81.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $108,934 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bellevue, Washington, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly pay of $87.29, significantly higher than the national average hourly rate of $73.02. This competitive pay is reflective of the unique pressures associated with air traffic control roles, typically found in en route centers, terminal radar approach control facilities, and airport control towers. For part-time employees working three days a week, this translates to a potential income significantly above the average for other professions, making it an appealing option for those seeking flexible schedules. Entry-level controllers can expect to earn around $50.63 per hour, while experienced professionals in high-demand roles can command rates up to $133.75, illustrating the broad potential within this field based on skill level and experience. These figures are derived from annual salary data, highlighting the economic value placed on these critical roles within WA's air traffic infrastructure.
About the Bellevue Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50.63 | $405.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62.84 | $502.76 |
| Median (P50) | $87.29 | $698.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $111.72 | $893.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $133.75 | $1070.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bellevue
Based on $87.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $87.29/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bellevue, WA can expect to earn approximately $181,557 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $104,744. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bellevue.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bellevue
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,491.48 | $15,130 | $181,557 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,094.89 | $9,078 | $108,934 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,396.59 | $6,052 | $72,623 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Bellevue) | $87.29 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Bellevue, WA earn a median of $181,547 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.53% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 11.30% above the Washington state average of $163,115.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $87.29/hr = $108,934/year (purchasing power: $101,429).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $181,557/year (purchasing power: $169,048).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$70.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$85.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$87.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Bellevue (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $74.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $74.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $76.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $78.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $83.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $85.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Bellevue grew 20.4% from $70.68/hr (2019) to $85.10/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $89.53/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bellevue 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.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Bellevue
For part-time air traffic controllers in Bellevue handling a typical schedule of three days per week, the annualized take-home can still be quite substantial. Working 24 hours, a part-time controller would gross approximately $108,860 yearly, which is robust, especially when compared to other part-time positions. The per-diem arrangement for those engaged in agency work can also be lucrative, with many controllers often racking up overtime hours due to staffing shortages, leading to their total earnings exceeding base pay. Controllers are often tasked with demanding schedules, where consistently working 50-60 hours a week may yield a total income that spans $200,000 to $300,000 with overtime bonuses factored in. Various employers, from FAA en route centers to military installations and contracted towers, dictate varying hourly compensation, with many controllers accepting lower hourly rates in exchange for essential benefits. When negotiating hourly pay in Bellevue, it's crucial to consider the value of comprehensive health insurance alongside higher wage options that may lack benefits, aligning personal priorities with professional obligations.
More salary data for Bellevue, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Bellevue in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Bellevue?
Are air traffic controllers in Bellevue paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time air traffic controller make per year in Bellevue?
Do air traffic controllers earn more per hour working part-time in Bellevue?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Bellevue. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bellevue 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