Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Redmond, WA: $78.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Redmond, WA runs $78.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $162,973 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Redmond's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $97,785 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, air traffic controllers in Redmond, Washington, can expect a median hourly pay of $78.35, significantly higher than the national median of $73.02. This elevated rate reflects the high demand for skilled professionals in this sector, especially amidst the growing air traffic and the ongoing staffing challenges faced by FAA facilities. With entry-level positions starting around $45.45 and experienced controllers earning up to $117.62 per hour, there is a wide earning potential for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. Controllers typically work in various settings, including en route centers and airport control towers, often highlighted by unique environments such as radar consoles in dimly-lit control rooms or airport traffic control towers with panoramic views. These hourly rates are derived from data reflecting annual salaries, situating Redmond's pay levels favorably within the broader national context of air traffic controller hourly pay.
About the Redmond 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) | $45.45 | $363.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.41 | $451.31 |
| Median (P50) | $78.35 | $626.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98.60 | $788.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117.62 | $940.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Redmond
Based on $78.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $78.35/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Redmond, WA can expect to earn approximately $162,975 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $94,024. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Redmond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Redmond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,134.13 | $13,581 | $162,975 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,880.48 | $8,149 | $97,785 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,253.65 | $5,432 | $65,190 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Redmond) | $78.35 |
| 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 Redmond, WA earn a median of $162,973 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.30% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.10% below the Washington state average of $163,137.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $78.35/hr = $97,785/year (purchasing power: $91,047).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $162,975/year (purchasing power: $151,746).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$63.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$76.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$78.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Redmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $67.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $66.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $68.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $81.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $76.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Redmond grew 20.4% from $63.45/hr (2019) to $76.39/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $80.37/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 Redmond 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 Redmond
Focusing on part-time earnings, a three-day workweek for an air traffic controller equates to approximately 24 hours, which can yield about $78,108 annually based on a median hourly rate. This contrasts sharply with full-time positions, where effective hourly earnings can climb considerably due to overtime opportunities; many controllers find themselves logged at 50-60 hour weeks, especially in understaffed environments. These extended hours can lead to effective hourly compensations significantly above the base rate. Furthermore, per diem air traffic controller pay in Redmond provides negotiable terms during transition training, allowing for flexible incomes. Within Redmond, pay rates can vary significantly based on the employer type—FAA-managed centers may offer more robust benefits, including health insurance, trading off against contract positions that sometimes afford higher hourly rates but less job security. Job seekers should navigate these factors carefully, using local knowledge and professional networks within the FAA and organizations like NATCA to negotiate compensation effectively.
More salary data for Redmond, 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 Redmond. 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 Redmond 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