Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Maple Valley, WA: $74.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Maple Valley, WA runs $74.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $155,187 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Maple Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $69.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $93,113 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Maple Valley, Washington, are expected to earn a median hourly pay of $74.61, which is slightly higher than the national median of $73.02 per hour. This competitive rate is indicative of the demands and expectations placed on controllers who often work in high-pressure environments such as en route center radar consoles or airport traffic control towers. For part-time controllers working three days a week, the earnings potential can be substantial, allowing flexibility while still maintaining a significant income. The hourly rate for entry-level positions starts at around $43.27, while experienced professionals at the top of the pay scale can earn up to $104.33 per hour, making the profession financially rewarding across various experience levels.
About the Maple Valley 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) | $43.27 | $346.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.72 | $429.73 |
| Median (P50) | $74.61 | $596.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94.43 | $755.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104.33 | $834.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Maple Valley
Based on $74.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $74.61/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Maple Valley, WA can expect to earn approximately $155,188 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $89,531. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Maple Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Maple Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,984.38 | $12,932 | $155,188 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,790.63 | $7,759 | $93,113 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,193.75 | $5,173 | $62,075 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Maple Valley) | $74.61 |
| 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 Maple Valley, WA earn a median of $155,187 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.17% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 4.90% below the Washington state average of $163,183.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $74.61/hr = $93,113/year (purchasing power: $86,697).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $155,188/year (purchasing power: $144,495).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$60.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$72.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$74.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Maple Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $64.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $64.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $67.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $77.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $72.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Maple Valley grew 20.4% from $60.42/hr (2019) to $72.74/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $76.53/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 Maple Valley 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 Maple Valley
Evaluating the earning potential for air traffic controllers, especially for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis in Maple Valley, presents an interesting financial picture. A part-time controller working 24 hours per week at the median rate can potentially earn about $92,893 annually, considerably less than full-time earnings. However, many controllers work overtime, which can lead to a significant increase in overall compensation; overtime pay is often 1.5 times the base rate, pushing effective hourly earnings above the median for those who work 50-60 hours weekly. Additionally, methods of employment—such as FAA contract towers or terminal radar approach facilities—can influence pay rates. Controllers at FAA-managed facilities usually benefit from better health insurance and retirement plans, while those in contract positions might accept lower hourly pay for a lack of benefits. For workers in Maple Valley, keen negotiation can ensure a more favorable arrangement, making it essential to weigh both hourly rates and accompanying benefits carefully.
More salary data for Maple Valley, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Maple Valley. 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 Maple Valley 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