Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Tumwater, WA: $76.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Tumwater, WA runs $76.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $159,681 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Tumwater's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $95,814 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tumwater, Washington, air traffic controllers can expect a median hourly pay of $76.77, which is slightly above the national average of $73.02. This translates into ample opportunities for both part-time and per-diem work, making the role appealing for those who prefer flexibility. Controllers often work in varying environments, whether at radar consoles in dimly lit centers managing high-altitude traffic or in the bustling control towers overseeing aircraft movements at major airports. For those starting out, the hourly pay can begin as low as $44.53, while seasoned professionals and top earners can achieve rates reaching up to $111.78. These figures are indicative of a profession that not only demands skill but also offers a financially rewarding pathway based on job performance and experience, drawing from estimates derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026.
About the Tumwater 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) | $44.53 | $356.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.14 | $449.09 |
| Median (P50) | $76.77 | $614.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95.14 | $761.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111.78 | $894.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tumwater
Based on $76.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.77/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tumwater, WA can expect to earn approximately $159,689 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $92,128. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tumwater.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tumwater
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,070.95 | $13,307 | $159,689 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,842.57 | $7,984 | $95,814 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,228.38 | $5,323 | $63,876 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Tumwater) | $76.77 |
| 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 Tumwater, WA earn a median of $159,681 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.13% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.10% below the Washington state average of $163,106.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.77/hr = $95,814/year (purchasing power: $89,212).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $159,689/year (purchasing power: $148,686).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$74.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Tumwater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $65.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $65.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $66.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $69.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $79.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $74.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Tumwater grew 20.4% from $62.17/hr (2019) to $74.85/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $78.75/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 Tumwater 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 Tumwater
The potential for part-time controllers who work three days a week can yield a significant take-home pay, approaching $59,000 annually if they maintain a consistent schedule. However, many controllers opt for overtime, often working between 50 to 60 hours a week, which can lead to earnings exceeding $200,000 when factoring in overtime rates. It’s common for controllers to work as agency or per diem employees, where they can negotiate their pay based on facility needs and their experience, though they won’t receive 1099 contracting options due to FAA regulations. Pay rates can differ significantly depending on the employer type, with FAA en route centers and TRACONs typically offering higher pay compared to contract towers. Moreover, the choice between accepting a lower hourly rate with full benefits or a higher rate without them remains a personal decision for many in this field; understanding these trade-offs is key for aspiring air traffic controllers in Tumwater and can shape their employment path within the FAA structure.
More salary data for Tumwater, 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 Tumwater. 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 Tumwater 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