Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Kenmore, WA: $73.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Kenmore, WA runs $73.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $153,147 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Kenmore's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $68.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $91,884 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For 2026, air traffic controllers in Kenmore, Washington, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $73.62, slightly above the national median of $73.02. This hourly rate represents an attractive option for both full-time and part-time workers in roles typically found at various control facilities, including en route centers and control towers. Part-time air traffic controllers working three days a week can still command substantial earnings, while per-diem workers benefit from flexible schedules in fast-paced environments. Those new to the field may start at an hourly rate of approximately $42.70, while seasoned professionals can earn as much as $102.45, depending on their experience and the specific employer. Overall, the hourly compensation reflects the demanding nature of air traffic control work, with estimates derived from BLS state-level data and combined with regionally adjusted living costs.
About the Kenmore 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) | $42.70 | $341.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.75 | $429.97 |
| Median (P50) | $73.62 | $589.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93.23 | $745.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.45 | $819.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kenmore
Based on $73.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $73.62/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kenmore, WA can expect to earn approximately $153,139 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $88,350. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kenmore.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kenmore
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,944.99 | $12,762 | $153,139 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,766.99 | $7,657 | $91,884 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,178.00 | $5,105 | $61,256 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Kenmore) | $73.62 |
| 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 Kenmore, WA earn a median of $153,147 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.83% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 6.10% below the Washington state average of $163,096.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $73.62/hr = $91,884/year (purchasing power: $85,553).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $153,139/year (purchasing power: $142,588).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$59.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$71.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$73.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Kenmore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $76.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $71.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Kenmore grew 20.4% from $59.62/hr (2019) to $71.78/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $75.52/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 Kenmore 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 Kenmore
When considering part-time or per-diem work as an air traffic controller, it’s essential to understand the earning potential relative to full-time positions. A part-time controller working 24 hours weekly could expect to take home around $76,870 annually, which still represents a solid income, especially given the flexibility this arrangement provides. In a landscape where staffing shortages are common, many controllers work substantial overtime hours, pushing their overall compensation significantly above base pay and creating opportunities for earnings exceeding $100,000 from overtime alone. Additionally, the hourly rate may vary across different types of employers in Kenmore, such as FAA-en route centers and military facilities; federal positions often include benefits that can compensate for lower hourly rates compared to contract roles. For those seeking employment, negotiating compensation can also involve balancing higher pay without benefits against lower rates with health insurance and retirement options—an important consideration as controllers face mandatory retirement at age 56 in this highly regulated industry.
More salary data for Kenmore, 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 Kenmore. 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 Kenmore 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