Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Shoreline, WA: $78.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Shoreline, WA runs $78.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $163,620 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Shoreline's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $98,169 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Shoreline, Washington, the projected air traffic controller hourly pay for 2026 is $78.66, significantly higher than the national median of $73.02. This robust hourly rate reflects the unique demands and responsibilities of the profession, especially for those working in traditional settings such as en route center radar consoles, TRACON radar facilities, or airport traffic control towers. For part-time controllers working three days a week, this pay can equate to substantial compensation, especially given the wide hourly range from $45.62 at the lower end for entry-level positions to $113.71 for seasoned specialists. The figures indicate that highly experienced controllers, often found in pivotal communication roles during peak operational hours, can leverage extensive training and experience into higher hourly pay, presenting a rewarding opportunity for those entering this vital field in Shoreline.
About the Shoreline 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) | $45.62 | $364.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.64 | $453.11 |
| Median (P50) | $78.66 | $629.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100.69 | $805.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113.71 | $909.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shoreline
Based on $78.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $78.66/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shoreline, WA can expect to earn approximately $163,615 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $94,393. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Shoreline.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shoreline
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,146.44 | $13,635 | $163,615 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,887.86 | $8,181 | $98,169 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,258.57 | $5,454 | $65,446 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Shoreline) | $78.66 |
| 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 Shoreline, WA earn a median of $163,620 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.73% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 0.30% above the Washington state average of $163,130.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $78.66/hr = $98,169/year (purchasing power: $91,405).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $163,615/year (purchasing power: $152,341).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$63.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$76.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$78.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Shoreline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $67.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $67.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $68.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $71.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $81.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $76.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Shoreline grew 20.4% from $63.70/hr (2019) to $76.69/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $80.68/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 Shoreline 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 Shoreline
Considering the financial landscape for air traffic controllers in Shoreline, part-timers can expect to earn a solid income even while working fewer hours weekly. For instance, a 24-hour workweek equates to a significant annual income, although it pales compared to full-time counterparts who frequently work overtime. The nature of the job often requires controllers to manage multiple shifts and cover understaffed facilities, leading them to experience a bump in earnings given the potential for overtime pay, which can push compensation well above the base rate. Given the existence of multiple employer types such as FAA en route centers, TRACONs, and military air traffic control, there's a variability in pay. Some may opt for slightly lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits, making informed negotiations crucial for those seeking the best overall package, particularly in Shoreline, where per diem air traffic controller pay can be more flexible. Being aware of these nuances allows controllers to balance their priorities effectively in a demanding but rewarding profession.
More salary data for Shoreline, 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 Shoreline. 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 Shoreline 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