Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Tacoma, WA: $84.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Tacoma, WA runs $84.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $176,786 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Tacoma's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $79.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $106,067 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Air traffic controllers in Tacoma, Washington, earn a median hourly pay of $84.99, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $73.02. This favorable rate provides opportunities for those considering part-time roles, which often consist of three-day work weeks. With the ability to earn approximately $1,199.86 per week in a standard schedule, part-time and per-diem controllers can experience a solid income while also maintaining flexibility. Hourly earnings range from $49.30 for entry-level employees to $131.74 for seasoned professionals, reflecting the diverse skill sets needed across various environments such as en route centers and airport control towers. Many facilities, whether they operate from windowless radar consoles or bustling airport cabs, project their pay structures based on annual salary estimates converted to hourly rates.
About the Tacoma 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) | $49.30 | $394.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61.19 | $489.55 |
| Median (P50) | $84.99 | $679.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108.80 | $870.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $131.74 | $1053.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tacoma
Based on $84.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $84.99/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tacoma, WA can expect to earn approximately $176,778 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $101,987. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tacoma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tacoma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,399.58 | $14,732 | $176,778 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,039.75 | $8,839 | $106,067 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,359.83 | $5,893 | $70,711 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Tacoma) | $84.99 |
| 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 Tacoma, WA earn a median of $176,786 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.39% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 8.40% above the Washington state average of $163,086.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $84.99/hr = $106,067/year (purchasing power: $98,759).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $176,778/year (purchasing power: $164,598).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$68.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$82.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$84.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Tacoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $72.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $72.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $74.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $76.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $82.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $82.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Tacoma grew 20.4% from $68.82/hr (2019) to $82.86/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $87.17/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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma
For part-time air traffic controllers working an average of 24 hours a week in Tacoma, the annual take-home pay could amount to around $62,400, which is a respectable figure compared to full-time counterparts. However, full-time controllers have the potential to earn significantly more, particularly with the prevalence of overtime, which many face due to chronic understaffing. Controllers frequently work 50-60 hours a week, which can elevate their total compensation significantly, adding $50,000 to $100,000 in additional earnings. Understanding employer types is crucial, as FAA facilities such as ARTCCs and TRACONs may offer different hourly rates and benefits packages compared to military or contract-operated towers. This variance may lead some controllers to prioritize stable benefits over higher hourly wages, fostering a unique trade-off in this field. For negotiating hourly pay, being aware of the local market and the specific demands of Tacoma can empower controllers to seek fair contracts that reflect their skills and the facility's operational needs.
More salary data for Tacoma, 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 Tacoma. 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 Tacoma 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