Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Federal Way, WA: $77.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Federal Way, WA runs $77.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $161,652 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Federal Way's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $96,991 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Federal Way, Washington, air traffic controllers earn a median hourly pay of $77.72, which is notably higher than the national median of $73.02. This difference reflects the cost of living in the region, allowing controllers to enjoy substantial compensation for roles that often involve managing air traffic across complex environments. Controllers typically work in settings such as radar facilities, control tower cabs, and management cells, where their hourly rate translates into earnings that support both full-time and part-time configurations. For controllers working part-time, such as those committing to three days a week, the pay can still be lucrative, taking advantage of the elevated hourly rates that range from $45.08 for entry-level positions to $114.55 for the most experienced operators, ensuring a wide spectrum of earning potential depending on experience levels and working conditions.
About the Federal Way 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) | $45.08 | $360.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.95 | $447.62 |
| Median (P50) | $77.72 | $621.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99.48 | $795.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114.55 | $916.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Federal Way
Based on $77.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $77.72/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Federal Way, WA can expect to earn approximately $161,652 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $93,261. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Federal Way.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Federal Way
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,108.69 | $13,471 | $161,652 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,865.21 | $8,083 | $96,991 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,243.48 | $5,388 | $64,661 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Federal Way) | $77.72 |
| 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 Federal Way, WA earn a median of $161,652 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.43% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $163,120.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $77.72/hr = $96,991/year (purchasing power: $90,308).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $161,652/year (purchasing power: $150,514).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$77.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Federal Way (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $66.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $80.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Federal Way grew 20.4% from $62.93/hr (2019) to $75.77/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $79.71/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 Federal Way 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 Federal Way
Upon further examination, part-time air traffic controllers committing to a typical schedule of 24 hours per week can expect to take home approximately $60,000 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts but still a commendable income. The per diem air traffic controller pay in Federal Way can vary based on type of facility, with those at FAA en route centers typically earning different rates compared to terminal or tower positions. As controllers at understaffed facilities often clock in 50-60 hours weekly due to chronic staffing shortages, their effective hourly compensation can surge well above the base rates, thanks to overtime at 1.5x. Notably, negotiations are crucial: some controllers may choose positions with a lower hourly pay but with the benefit of health insurance, while others might prefer higher pay without benefits. Understanding the dynamics of each employer type—from FAA facilities to contractors—can help potential controllers position themselves effectively in this competitive field.
More salary data for Federal Way, 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
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 Federal Way. 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 Federal Way 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