Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Lacey, WA: $77.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Lacey, WA runs $77.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $160,170 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Lacey's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $96,108 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Lacey, Washington, earn a median hourly rate of $77.01, surpassing the national figure of $73.02. This difference in pay reflects the unique challenges and responsibilities faced by controllers as they operate at various facilities. For those working part-time, typically around three days a week, this hourly wage translates into an attractive income while allowing flexibility, ideal for balancing personal or training commitments. Entry-level positions might see hourly rates starting at $44.66, while top earners can command up to $115.52 per hour. Controllers operate from various settings, whether it’s an en route center monitoring high-altitude airspace or the dynamic environment of control towers with panoramic views of airport traffic, reflecting the diversity of their work settings.
About the Lacey 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) | $44.66 | $357.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.54 | $444.33 |
| Median (P50) | $77.01 | $616.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97.04 | $776.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115.52 | $924.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lacey
Based on $77.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $77.01/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lacey, WA can expect to earn approximately $160,180 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $92,411. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lacey.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lacey
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,080.38 | $13,348 | $160,180 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,848.23 | $8,009 | $96,108 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,232.15 | $5,339 | $64,072 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Lacey) | $77.01 |
| 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 Lacey, WA earn a median of $160,170 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.45% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 1.80% below the Washington state average of $163,106.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $77.01/hr = $96,108/year (purchasing power: $89,486).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $160,180/year (purchasing power: $149,143).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$77.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Lacey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $66.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $65.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $69.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $80.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Lacey grew 20.4% from $62.36/hr (2019) to $75.08/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.99/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 Lacey 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 Lacey
Considering part-time positions, an air traffic controller working 24 hours a week in Lacey, which translates to a part-time basis, would realistically take home significantly less than their full-time counterparts, who often accrue essential benefits. Many controllers pursue per diem opportunities, allowing for flexible scheduling but often incentivizing them to cover additional hours due to acute staffing shortages. Overtime can boost effective pay considerably; controllers might work 50 to 60 hours a week, resulting in annual compensation that can exceed $50,000 to $100,000 above their base salary through overtime alone. Employment conditions vary across Lacey's facilities—controllers at FAA en route centers may earn differently compared to those at terminal radar approach facilities or contract towers, with some opting for reduced hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive health benefits. Negotiating pay might be influenced by a candidate’s experience and the prevailing staffing challenges; thus, understanding the nuances of the local market becomes beneficial for new controllers.
More salary data for Lacey, 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 Lacey. 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 Lacey 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